y 


1887 

History  of  the 

Central  Labor  Union 


OF 


Springfield,  Mass. 

WITH 

Some  of  the  Pioneers 


Brief  Sketches    of   Affiliated    Unions 

1912 


Edited  and  Comprfcd  by   A.  F.  Hardwick. 


THIS     BOOK     PRINTED     ON 
UNION     WATER     MARK     PAP  El 


5RLF 
URL 


Preface 


When  the  project  to  compile  a  history  of  the  Central  Lahor  Union  was 
first  broached,  it  was  deemed  an  easy  way  of  preserving  for  future  generations 
of  lahor  delegates  the  principal  events  with  which  the  Central  body  had  been 
connected  in  the  first  twenty-five  years  of  its  existence.  From  the  outset 
difficulties  accumulated.  The  financial  side  was  met  by  the  solicitation  of 
advertisements  from  our  friends.  Here  the  committee  ran  counter  to  the 
Board  of  Trade,  who  refused  their  sanction — at  least,  so  far  as  their  mem- 
bership was  concerned.  Most  of  the  large  advertisers  in  the  city  are  members 
of  that  body,  and  on  the  inside  exists  what  is  known  as  an  Advertisers'  Pro- 
tective Association,  whose  members  are  enjoined  not  to  advertise  in  anything 
that  does  not  come  within  their  meaning  of  a  useful  advertising  medium.  All 
such  things  as  souvenirs  and  programs  are  tabooed,  and  the  committee  were 
thus  seriously  handicapped.  Then,  it  was  decided  to  get  the  local  unions  to 
contribute  short  sketches  of  their  history,  and  make  a  nominal  charge  for 
such  publication.  A  nominal  charge,  too.  was  to  lie  asked  for  the  book  itself. 
Thus,  in  a  measure,  the  financial  difficulty  was  surmounted. 

A  stone  wall  was  encountered  when  an  attempt  was  made  to  find  the 
records  of  the  body.  It  was  found  impossible  to  obtain  any  written  records 
of  the  body  prior  to  the  year  1!><)2,  and  what  matter  appears  in  this  work 
prior  to  that  date  has  been  culled  from  newspaper  clippings  and  such  recol- 
lections as  the  older  delegates  to  the  body  had.  Xo  list  of  officers  or  delegates 
could  be  found,  and  should  any  be  found  in  these  page--  not  in  their  correct 
order,  the  editor  asks  for  indulgence,  for  his  ta>k  has  been  a  heavy  one  and 
the   time   at   his  disposal    far  too   short   to  produce   such   a   work. 

What  measurt  of  success  has  been  attained,  if  any,  the  committee  here- 
with presents   for  your  approval. 

[ames  S.  Sherhurxe   (Chairman). 

I).  F.  McCarthy  (Secretarv). 

G.  !l.  Wrexx, 

W.  II.  Grady. 

II.  C.  \Teisuh r, 

W.  Flyxx. 

A.  !•:.  \Yu.sox, 

A.    A.    X  At"  MANX, 

M.  T.  XniiLL. 


Fellowship 


Wlien  a  man  ain't  got  a  cent,  an'  lie's  feeling  kind  of  blue, 

An'  the  clouds  hang  dark  an'  heavy,  an'  won't  let  the  sunshine  through, 

It's  a  great  thing,  O  my  brethren,  for  a  feller  just  to  lay 

His  hand  upon  your  shoulder  in  a  friendly  sort  of  way! 

It  makes  a  man  feel  queerish,  it  makes  the  teardrops  start. 

An'  you  sort  o'  feel  a  flutter  in   the  region   of  the  heart; 

You  can't  look  up  and  meet  his  eyes;  you  don't  know  what  to  say, 

When  his  hand  is  on  your  shoulder  in  a  friendly  sort  of  way! 

Oh.  the  world's  a  curious  compound,  with   its  honey  and  its  gall. 
With   its  cares  and  bitter  crosses,  but  a  good  world  after  all; 
An'  a  good  God  must  hare  made  it — leastzuays,  that  is  what  I  say 
When  a  hand  is  on  my  shoulder  in  a  friendly  sort  of  way. 

—  Tame?  YVhitcomb  Riley. 


BISHOP    N.    SALTUS 


First      President      of     the      Central      Labor 
Union 


History  of  the  Central  Labor  Union 


EBSTER  defines  history  as  a  series  of  events  set  down  in  chrono- 
logical order,  but  a  history  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  of  Spring- 
field, Mass.,  may  well  be  preceded  by  a  summary  of  events  leading 
up  to  the  date  of  its  organization,  showing  how  country-wide  was 
the  unrest  that  for  nearly  a  century  had  seethed  in  America.  The 
appeal  in  the  first  chapter  and  the  eighteenth  verse  of  the  prophet  Isaiah,  "Come, 
now,  and  let  us  reason  together,"  doubtless  was  the  idea  that  prompted  the 
pioneers  in  agitation  to  get  together  in  an  endeavor  to  mitigate  the  hard  lot 
of  the  laborer.  That  their  efforts  have  been  crowned  with  a  goodly  measure 
of  success  history  tells. 

The  story  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  is  largely  a  history  of  the  men  who 
made  it  what  it  is  today,  and  some  explanation  of  what  the  body  is.  why  it 
was  formed,  its  aims,  hopes  and  ambitions,  may  not  be  out  of  place,  and  will 
especially  educate  the  lay  mind  and  the  non-union  worker  who  has  not  yet 
joined  the  ranks  of  organized  labor.  The  local  "Parliament"  of  workmen  was 
peculiarly  fortunate  in  the  choice  of  its  first  president,  and  the  name  of  Bishop 
X.  Saltus  will  be  held  in  happy  memory  so  long  as  the  body  remains  in  existence. 
A  general  agitation  of  the  labor  movement  began  in  this  country  nearly  100 
years  ago.  but  up  to  the  time  of  the  Civil  War  no  real  progress  had  been  made 
in  effective  organization.  In  1861  the  horse-car  drivers  formed  a  benevolent 
association,  one  John  Walker  being  the  founder.  This  organization  was  soon 
forced,  however,  to  expand  its  scope  of  usefulness,  and  from  benevolent  actions 
it  was  obliged  to  take  active  measures  to  prevent  a  reduction  of  wages.  The 
coal  miners  formed  a  national  association  the  same  year.  Less  than  twelve 
months  later  the  Boston  United  Laborers'  Society  was  called  into  being,  being 
followed  by  the  hack  drivers,  the  locomotive  engineers,  and  the  Garment  Work- 
ers' Association  (from  whose  members  sprung  the  Knights  of  Labor).  About 
the  same  time  the  trades  in  California  formed  an  amalgamation,  and  secret 
associations  with  signs  and  passwords  were  established  in  various  parts  of 
the  country.  Through  the  efforts  of  these  societies  many  workingmen  were 
elected  to  legislative  bodies  in  various  states,  and  the  building  trades  were 
especially  aggressive. 

In  1804  the  International  Cigar  Makers'  Union  was  established;  the  stone- 
cutters, pianoforte  makers,  blacksmiths  and  carpenters  organized  to  secure 
higher  wages,  and  the  journeymen  tailors  formed  a  national  trades  union.  The 
Civil  War  checked  labor  activities,  but  at  its  close  the  labor  press  began  to  be 
active,  one  of  the  most  important  publications  coming  into  existence  being  the 
Daily  Evening  Voice,  issued  under  the  auspices  of  the  Boston  Typographical 
Union.  Shortlv  after  the  effects  of  combination  and  agitation  were  noticeable 
by  the  introduction  into  the  Massachusetts  Legislature  of  an  order  instructing 
the  judiciary  committee  to  investigate  and  consider  the  expediency  of  regulating 
and  limiting  the  hours  of  labor  that  should  constitute  a  day's  work,  and  a  com- 
mission was  appointed  by  Governor  Andrew  to  go  more  fully  into  the  matter. 
In   the  following  administration   Governor   Bullock   carried   the   work   along. 

In  180(1  several  eight-hour  bills  were  introduced  into  the  United  States 
Congress.  Two  years  later  an  eight-hour  measure  relating  to  laborers,  work- 
men and  mechanics  in  the  emplov  of  the  United  States  Government  was  passed 
and  was  signed  bv   President    folmson.  and  on   Mav   IT    !>»!!>,   President  Grant 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


issued  a  proclamation  that  no  reduction  should  be  made  in  the  wages  of  the 
workmen  by  reason  of  the  reduction  of  the  hours  of  labor.  This  was  made 
retroactive  by  an  act  passed  in  May.  1872,  securing  to  all  laborers,  workmen 
and  mechanics  employed  by  the  Government  between  June  25,  1869,  and  May 
1!).  1809,  pay  or  compensation  on  the  basis  of  a  full,  regular  day's  pay  for  eight 
hours'  labor,  and  the  same  body  ratified  the  proclamation  of  President  Grant 
by  passing  a  resolution  which  practically  declared  that  a  reduction  in  the  hours 
of  labor  should  not  be  followed  by  a  corresponding  reduction  in  wages.  Thus 
was  established  a  precedent,  which,  had  it  been  recognized  by  the  employers 
in  Lawrence  recently,  would  have  avoided  trouble  on  the  passage  of  the  law 
limiting  the  hours  of  labor  in  this  state. 

Twentv-five  years  ago  the  "Confederation  of  Labor"  (the  first  name  of  the 
local  union  of  unions),  met  in  the  old  Foot  block,  which  formerly  stood  at  the 
corner  of  State  and  Main  streets,  where  the  fine  new  building  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Mutual  now  stands.  The  struggle  in  the  early  days  was  for  actual  exist- 
ence, for  unionism  and  progress  have  not  always  been  analagous  within  its 
jurisdiction,  as  will  be  seen  before  the  final  pages  are  written.  The  education 
of  the  laboring  man  was  the  first  thing  undertaken  ;  later  came  the  demand  for 
better  working  conditions,  shorter  hours  of  labor,  improved  sanitation  in  the 
workshop  and  factory,  and  better  recompense  for  labor  performed.  The  strug- 
gle is  still  going  on.  but  other  and  more  forcible  methods  prevail  than  of  yore. 
Instead  of  the  strike  and  bovcott.  as  it  was  earlier  understood,  the  workers  have 
learned  the  way  to  the  State  House,  and  it  is  being  slowly  realized  that  one  of 
the  most  effective  weapons  in  the  hands  of  the  worker  is  the  ballot. 

A  strike  of  tailors  in  April,  1SS7.  was  primarily  the  beginning  of  the 
organization  now  known  as  the  Central  Labor  Union.  The  local  tailors'  union 
had  got  into  disagreement  with  their  employers  and  the  grievance  was  of 
sufficient  importance  to  warrant  cessation  of  work.  The  tailors  asked  the  co- 
operation of  the  other  bodies  that  were  organized  at  that  time  and  the  result 
of  their  appeal  for  moral,  if  not  material,  support,  was  a  meeting  of  those 
unions,  who  sent  delegations  to  meet  the  tailors.  The  unions  represented  were 
the  cigar  makers,  printers,  carpenters  and  tailors.  The  delegates  assured  the 
tailors  of  their  support,  and  it  is  on  record  that  as  the  result  of  that  support 
the  tailor-  won  their  strike.  There  were  but  seven  unions  of  any  consequence 
in  the  city  at  the  time,  and  they  were  looked  on  with  cold  tolerance  by  the 
employers,  but  the  effect  of  the  little  difficulty  was  the  inauguration  of  a  move- 
ment far-reaching  in  its  power  for  the  betterment  of  the  worker  in  this  vicinity. 
Among  the  delegate-  present  at  the  first  meeting  were  Edward  Magargal. 
Michael  Xihill.  James  H.  Flynn.  William  K.  Hempstead.  C.  E.  Hubbard, 
Robert    M.    West   and    William    Freese,   recording   secretary. 

To  Bishop  X.  Saltus,  more  than  to  any  one  other  man.  must  be  given  credit 
for  the  origin  of  the  movement.  He  and  James  S.  Sherburne  of  the  Typo- 
graphical Union  started  a  discussion  as  to  the  advisability  of  forming  some 
kind  of  a  bodv  to  winch  all  of  the  unions  in  the  district  could  become  affiliated. 
Thev  found  on  comparing  notes  that  their  confrere-  had  been  discussing  the 
same  thing.  <  )rganization  then  was  easy,  and  as  a  result  of  such,  organization 
Ih'-hop  X.  Saltus.  of  the  Cigar  Maker-'  Union  was  elected  the  first  president. 
Morn  in  Pmrlington.  Yt..  in  1>4<'>.  Mr.  Saltus  early  learned  the  cigar  maker-' 
trade  in  that  citv.  Toward  the  close  of  the  Civil  War  he  responded  to  the  last 
call    for   volunteers,    iu-t   before   the    fall   of    Richmond,      lie   was   drafted   with 


Central  Labor  Union  History  9 


the  three  months'  men  and  his  service  in  the  active  line  was  thus  limited  to 
routine  work.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  North  and  was  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  cigars  with  the  Corporated  Cigar  Company  of  Westfield, 
leaving  that  concern  to  join  the  Moonlight  Company.  A  few  years  later  found 
him  in  a  higher  capacity  with  the  Clark  Company  of  Cambridgeport,  he  having 
charge  of  that  plant  for  two  years.  He  arrived  in  Springfield  in  the  early  SO's, 
obtaining  employment  with  Margerum  Brothers,  later  going  over  to  M.  H. 
Barnett's.  He  was  at  one  time  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Labor.  He  was 
instrumental  in  building  up  the  Cigar  Makers'  Union,  when  that  organization 
was  rejuvenated  after  the  panic  of  1S73,  a  time  when  several  unions  went  to 
the  wall.  The  local  to  which  he  gave  most  of  his  spare  time  quickly  became 
one  of  the  strongest  bodies  in  the  city.  Opposition  in  those  days  was  strong 
and  Mr.  Saltus  had  not  only  the  strength  of  the  employers  to  combat,  but  also 
the  indifference  and  inertia  of  the  worker  himself.  Of  magnetic  personality, 
however,  he  quickly  learned  the  faculty  of  making  others  see  the  advantages 
of  which  he  was  so  strong  an  advocate.  He  died  at  the  comparatively  early 
age  of  46,  in  1891.  Nothing  appears  to  have  been  done  to  perpetuate  his 
memory  in  labor  circles  until  last  year,  when  a  movement  was  initiated  by  his 
fellow-pioneer  in  the  vineyard  of  labor  unionism.  James  S.  Sherburne,  to  have 
a  framed  picture  of  its  first  president  hung  in  the  Central  Labor  lodge,  where 
it  now  looks  down  upon  the  deliberations  of  his  successors.  He  was  buried 
in  Pine  Hill  Cemetery,  Westfield. 

The  list  of  presidents  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  is  a  roll  of  substantial 
men  who  have  stood  for  the  best  in  the  labor  union  movement.  Most  of  them 
have  been  broad-minded,  far-seeing  leaders  who  commanded  the  entire  confi- 
dence of  those  who  had  elected  them  to  the  highest  office  possible.  That  they 
carried  out  their  mission  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  most  of  them  served  for 
more  than  one  term.  The  list,  with  the  name  of  the  trade  with  which  they 
were  connected,  follows:  Charles  Rawbone.  cigar  maker:  Timothy  Mahar, 
cigar  maker:  Maurice  Cavanaugh.  typesetter;  Jeremiah  F.  Mahoney,  cigar 
maker;  ().  Tl.  Robbins  of  the  Molders'  Union:  Charles  G.  Hart,  metal 
polisher:  Robert  M.  West,  carpenter;  William  FT.  Grady,  painter;  George  H. 
Wrenn,  cigar  maker;  Samuel  Strangford.  typesetter;  Simon  Griffin,  clothing 
clerk;  Richard  A.  Hennessey,  bricklayer;  Michael  Kelleher,  bartender;  George 
Paine,  painter;  William  Flvnn.  stonecutter:  William  F.  ITealv.  trolleyman,  and 
Paul  Davis,  billposter. 

The  first  meetings  were  held  in  the  Foot  block,  as  already  stated,  then  in 
Turn  hall,  and  the  unions  that  composed  it  then  were  the  cigar  makers,  the 
Typographical  Union,  the  iron  molders.  painters,  carpenters  and  tailors.  The 
organization  soon  became  strong  enough  to  secure  room--  of  its  own.  Quarters 
were  engaged  on  the  second  floor  of  what  is  now  the  Harvey  &  Lewis  building. 
These  were  again  outgrown,  and  rooms  were  secured  in  the  Morse  building  on 
San  ford  street,  a  few  doors  east  of  the  present  location.  From  there  the  head- 
quarters were  moved  to  the  corner  of  Harrison  avenue  and  Dwight  street.  Six 
years  ago  the  entire  building  at  19  Sanford  street,  above  the  ground  floor,  was 
secured,  and  all  of  this  has  been  utilized  since  that  time:  the  next  move,  it  is 
hoped,  will  he  into  a  building  of  its  own.  of  which  mention  will  he  made  later  on. 

The  Central  Labor  Union  is  an  organization  of  workingmen  designed  to 
give  moral  support  to  all  trades  and  callings  tor  the  purpose  of  bettering  condi- 
tions morally,  mentally  and  financially.     It  has  aided  in  organizing  the  weaker 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


trader.  In  cases  of  dispute  between  unions  and  employers  which  cannot  be 
settled  amicably,  it  gives  its  moral  support  when  strikes  are  thought  justifiable, 
and  this  knowledge  that  the  thousands  of  laboring  men  represented  by  the 
Central  body  were  behind  the  strikers  with  their  sympathy  has  been  a  material 
factor  in  the  success  of  strikes. 

The  war  horse  of  the  trade  union  movement  in  Springfield  is  William  H. 
( Iradv.  for  many  years  business  agent  of  the  Painters'  Union.  Honored  by 
bis  fellows  by  election 
to  the  City  Council.  Mr. 

<  iradv  has  also  sought 
admission  to  the  Legis- 
lature, and  has  been 
candidate  for  mayor  of 
the  city.  His  fellow- 
unionists  have  not  al- 
ways been  able  to  see 
eye  to  eye  with  him  and 
many  have  been  the 
fights  in  which  he  has 
engaged.  Rugged,  hon- 
est and  faithful  to  his 
trust  at  all  times,  he  has 
been  in  the  forefront  of 
the  battle  for  the  rights 
of  the  workingman  and 
has  been  the  progenitor 
of  considerable  legisla- 
tion looking  to  that  end. 
Horn  in  Lowell.  Mass.. 
in  1-.V\  William  H. 
(  irady  early  manifested 
an  interest  in  affairs 
municipal,  and  was 
elected  o  mmon  coun- 
cilman in  the  city  of 
Lowell  on  the  Demo- 
cratic ticket,  serving 
that   city    in    1S70-1S77. 

J  he  water  question  in 
that  city  was  being  hotly 
liscus.-ed  at  that  time 
and  Mr.  I  Irady  gained 
valuable  experience  then   which   stood  him  in  good  stead  in  after  years. 

Air.  Grady  served  as  delegate  to  the  Central  body  for  twenty  years  ere  he 
was  chosen  for  the  highest  office  in  the  gift  of  that  body,  but  he  was  ever 
prominent  in  committee  work  and  his  record  in  that  respect  is  something  of 
which  any  labor  leader  might  be  proud.     Treasurer  of  the  body  in   ls'.'7.   Mr. 

<  irady's  name  appears  on  the  charter  issued  by  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor  in  that  year.  In  liinl  he  was  nominated  for  the  presidency,  his  oppo- 
nent beintr  Hallenstein  of  the  Ciear   Makers'    Union.      Xinetv-two  votes   were 


WILLIAM    H.    GRADY 


One  of  the   Pioneers,   Now   Business  Agent 
for    the    Plumbers'    Union. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  11 


cast,   of  which   Mr.   Grady   received   50,   Hallenstein   41  ;    Delegate   LaFrancis 
being  given  the  odd  vote  as  complimentary. 

In  his  twenty-five  years'  service  with  the  Central  body,  with  a  brief  interval 
outside,  Mr.  Grady  has  given  much  time  and  energy  to  the  cause  of  organized 
labor,  but  it  is  chiefly  as  a  walking  delegate  that  he  is  well  known,  and  a  short 
synopsis  of  the  duties  of  the  business  agent  may  not  be  out  of  place  here. 
This  official  is  popularly  looked  on  as  the  cause  of  all  the  labor  trouble  that 
ever  existed.  He  usually  represents  several  unions  and,  in  Mr.  Grady's  case, 
he  represented  the  Building  Trades  Council,  which,  as  its  name  implies,  was 
composed  of  all  trades  connected  with  building.  He  inspects  the  conditions 
of  service,  keeps  an  eye  on  union  and  non-union  working  men  on  a  job,  and 
promptly  acts  if  he  finds  one  of  the  latter  working  with  one  of  the  former. 
The  business  agent  was  created  a  long  time  ago,  after  many  men  had  lost 
their  jobs  in  trying  to  better  matters  by  personal  argument  with  the  employer. 
The  agent's  duties  are  now  more  numerous  than  formerly,  and  he  is  a  very 
important  institution.  He,  however,  does  not  act  on  his  own  initiative,  but 
strictly  on  orders,  and  the  popular  notion  that  he  can.  of  his  own  volition, 
walk  into  a  building  and  call  out  all  the  union  men  employed  there  is  erroneous. 

Toward  the  end  of  1909  the  Painters'  Union  decided  that  a  younger  man 
would  serve  them  better,  and  so  well  did  the  opposition  to  Mr.  Grady  mate- 
rialize that  when  the  election  came  they  decisively  defeated  the  veteran.  It 
was  not  so  much  that  they  had  any  charge  of  incompetency  to  bring  up  against 
him.  but  it  was  claimed  that  his  work  was  not  producing  results.  For  over  a 
year  the  painters'  strike  had  been  dragging  on,  and,  while  a  majority  of  the 
paint  shops  in  the  city  were  unionized,  still  there  were  many  on  the  other 
side,  and  one  of  the  largest  shops  in  the  city  was  outside  the  pale.  This  was 
a  source  of  much  discontent  in  the  ranks  of  the  union,  and  the  net  result  of 
the  campaign,  short  and  sharp  as  it  was,  was  that  Mr.  Grady  was  deposed  and 
I'.   II.  Triggs  took  up  the  burden. 

William  II.  Grady,  as  has  been  said,  was  an  important  man  on  committee 
work  and  was  one  of  the  principals  connected  with  the  starting  of  the  co- 
operative laundry  which  was  backed  by  the  Central  Labor  Union  and  in  which 
a  lot  of  union  money  was  sunk.  He  also  acted  on  the  committee  that  so  suc- 
cessfully handled  the  Ludlow  strike. 

Mr.  Grady  is  at  present,  strange  as  the  combination  sounds,  business  agent 
for  the  Plumbers'  Union,  and  he  also  represents  Ward  -1  on  the  City  Council, 
lie  carries  his  years  lightly  and  is  putting  in  useful  work  as  chairman  of  the 
legislative   committee   of   the   Central    Labor    Union. 

The  Central  Labor  L'nion  most  of  all.  however,  is  a  factor  for  peaceful 
settlement.  All  grievances  are  brought  before  the  organization,  and  its  griev- 
ance committee  makes  an  investigation  and  an  attempt  to  settle  the  dispute 
without  open  hostility,  before  any  strike  approval  is  ever  given.  Along  this 
line  progress  has  been  great.  In  the  early  davs  of  the  organization  the  men 
used  to  declare  their  strike  and  then  go  to  the  Central  Labor  Union  for  help. 
Amendments  were  made  to  the  constitution  forbidding  the  organization  to 
contribute  financial  aid  to  anv  cause,  and  to  compel  an  attempt  at  peaceful 
settlement    before    war    was   declared.      A    vast    majority    of    disputes    are    now 


12  Central  Labor  Union  History 


settled  in  this  way  without  their  ever  coming  to  public  attention.  The  griev- 
ance committee  thus  has  become  the  most  important  committee  of  the  body. 

The  next  most  important  of  the  standing  committees  is  the  legislative. 
This  committee  has  attended  many  hearings  at  the  State  House,  and  their 
influence  lias  been  considerable.  The  members  of  it  are  recognized  as 
able  representatives  of  the  labor  interests.  Among  the  measures  they  have 
favored  were  the  old-age  pension  act  and  the  eight-hour  bill  that  was  vetoed 
by  Governor  Draper.  They  have  opposed  both  the  Luce  compulsory  arbitra- 
tion act  and  the  Hugo  act  as  impracticable  in  their  attempt  to  transpose  the 
Canadian  system  to  this  state  with  bearing  on  all  trade  disputes,  instead  of  on 
the  public  utilities  corporations  alone,  as  in  Canada.  They  have  also  taken  a 
strong  stand  for  the  development  of  trade  schools  which  shall  be  real  trade 
schools,  preparing  boys  to  go  into  the  world  and  actually  earn  their  living. 

Briefly,  then,  the  Central  Labor  Union  was  organized  as  a  parliament  of 
laboring  men  united  for  the  promotion  of  common  interests,  mutual  benefit  and 
protection.  It  consists  of  five  delegates  from  each  local  union  affiliated,  and, 
while  it  allows  each  individual  organization  the  right  to  conduct  its  own  affairs 
and  legislate  for  itself,  it  recognizes  only  the  good  and  welfare  of  all,  and  this 
it  aims  to  obtain  through  co-operation  and  combination.  It  carries  on  vigor- 
ously agitation,  promotes  organization,  originates  and  supports  legislation, 
exchanges  ideas  and  methods,  and  gathers  and  diffuses  information,  the  busy 
and  always  competent  secretary  compiling  a  lengthy  bulletin  from  the  pro- 
ceedings of  each  monthly  meeting  and  forwarding  to  the  local  affiliated  unions 
an  excellent  summary  of  the  proceedings.  Having  enrolled  under  its  banner 
the  different  trades,  it  is  thus  in  a  position  to  understand  and  advance  the 
interests  of  all  by  unity  of  action  and  to  stand  shoulder  to  shoulder  for  the 
correction  of  abuses,  the  redress  of  grievances  and  the  rendition  of  moral,  if 
not  financial,  support  in  times  of  difficulty.  Financial  support  being  forbidden 
directly  by  its  constitution  it,  nevertheless,  does  inaugurate  movements  for 
obtaining  the  sinews  of  war  whenever  it  is  necessary,  as  is  well  known  from  its 
conduct  of  financial  campaigns  for  the  Ludlow,  Lawrence  and  other  strikes. 

Summarized  from  the  constitution  the  objects  of  the  "parliament"'  are: 

1.  To  organize  trades  and  labor  unions. 

2.  To  promote  the  consolidation  of  all  unions. 

3.  To  secure  labor  legislation. 

4.  To  secure  and  maintain  a  fair  rate  of  wages. 

5.  To  secure  the  shortening  of  the  hours  of  labor. 

6.  To  adjust  grievances. 

Such  then  have  been  its  policies  in  the  past,  and  who  shall  say  that  they 
have  not  met  with  at  least  a  fair  measure  of  success,  for  the  Central  Labor 
Union  has  always  represented  the  most  advanced  views  of  the  labor  leaders 
of  this  vicinity  and  the  delegates  to  the  body  from  the  local  unions  have  been 
among  the  ablest  of  their  craft,  and  their  deliberations  in  debate  have  been 
marked  with  a  caution  that  would  not  discredit  the  highest  deliberative  body 
in  the  state.  For  ten  years  the  body  was  independent,  then,  in  1S97,  a  charter 
was  accepted  from  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  with  which  body  it  is 
still  affiliated.  The  names  on  the  charter  are:  Teremiah  Mahoney,  Charles 
Hart,  M.  J.  Ludden,  D.  B.  Kervick,  M.  B.  Carr,  William  H.  Grady  and 
John  Hurley. 

progress  was  slow  for  a  time,  and  many  were  the  vicissitudes  of  the  body, 


Central  Labor  Union  History  13 


and,  though  Chicopee  was  included  in  the  ranks,  only  a  dozen  unions  had 
become  affiliated  in  the  first  dozen  years  of  its  existence.  Then,  however,  a 
decided  boom  took  place.  The  ranks  of  the  body  were  quickly  filling  with  the 
cream  of  the  tradesmen  of  the  city.  The  bricklayer  and  carpenter  employed 
to  build  your  house,  the  waiter  serving  your  lunch,  the  man  that  hustled  the 
scenery  at  the  local  playhouses,  in  fact,  every  conceivable  craft,  were  all  union 
men,  and  all  their  locals  were  affiliated  with  the  Central  body.  It  was  truly 
called  the  "balance  wheel"  of  the  labor  movement  and,  its  arms,  stretching  out 
through  the  international  organizations,  continent  wide,  was  beginning  to  make 
its  presence  felt.  Night  after  night  at  the  old  Harrison  avenue  rooms  hosts 
of  rough-handed  but  serious-minded  men  were  taken  in,  sometimes  dozens  at 
a  time,  and  despite  the  fact  that  active  opposition  was  very  much  in  evidence, 
the  movement  spread  surely. 

But,  as  has  been  said,  the  body  had  many  vicissitudes,  and  from  a  total  of 
70  unions  and  10,000  men.  the  sum  total  today  is  but  41  unions,  but  their 
strength  is  far  in  excess  of  the  unions  of  the  earlier  days.  Following  is  a 
list  of  the  unions  affiliated  at  the  present  time,  together  with  the  dates  of  the 
charters  under  which  they  work : 

Union  Date  of  Charter  Under  Which  They  Work 

Bakers  and  Confectionery  Workers  March  11,  1909 

Barbers  February   1,  1899 

Bartenders  January,  1896 

Billposters  March,   1903 

Bottlers  and  Drivers  June,   1893 

Bricklayers  and  Masons  May,  1885 

Brotherhood  of  Stationary  Firemen  July  30,  1910 

Building-  Laborers  Mav  31,'  1890 

Carpenters  and  Joiners,  Xo.  96  Xovember  1,  1888 

Carpenters  and  Joiners,  Xo.  177  May  19,  1897 

Cigar  Makers  October  27,  1877 

Coal  Handlers  Julv  5.  1899 

Cooks  and  Waiters  February  20,  1909 

Drop  Forgers  December,  1904 

Federation  of  Musicians  December  16,  1901 

Garment  Cutters  Julv    1905 

Grain  and  Mason's  Supplv  Handlers  Mav' 14    1SQ9 

Harness  Makers  January  25,  1907 

Horseshoers  August  18,  1899 

Iron  Molders  June>  lg99 

Italian  Building  Laborers  190.3 

Journeymen  Plumbers  June    189° 

Metal  Polishers  Julv '7.   1896 

Mill  Carpenters  and  Joiners  \pril  "9    1902 

Moving  Picture  Operators  May.  1910 

Painters  and  Decorators  April   1°    1903 

Photo-Engravers  October 'l,  1910 

Printing  Pressmen  February   IS.   1897 

Schoolhouse  Custodians  February    l'tll 

Sheet  Metal  Workers  Mav    1903 

Stationary  Firemen  August   1     1903 

Steam  Engineers  Mart,n  L,4'    19(/, 

£  earn  fitters  September  1,   1903 

btereotypers  and  Electrotypers  January   1,   19o2 

Stone  Cutters  M.1V   ,   '1894 

Street  Railway  Employes  January    10,    19o7 

™"T-      ,   «♦  r,        ,  September  2,   1S99 

rheatrical  Stage  Employes  JuJv    10(lo 

Tobacco  Strippers  September   IS,   1907 

M.ographical  November  19,  1885 

Upholsterers  M.|V   L>7_   ]91l, 

United  Brewery  Workers  September  °3    1S9° 

Waste  Handlers  March,  lam"   ' 

Hood,  Wire  and  Metal  Lathers  April,    1900 


14  Central  Labor  Union   History 


There  have  been  many  other  unions  affiliated  with  the  Central  bodv  in  the 
course  of  its  brief  existence.  Many  have  died  of  inanition :  others  have 
voluntarily   withdrawn   and  others   have  been   expelled. 

Workmen  have,  as  a  rule,  favored  arbitration,  or  the  submission  of  the 
differences  to  an  impartial  tribunal,  and  in  almost  every  case  where  thev  have 
succeeded  in  obtaining  such  a  hearing  they  have  loyally  stood  by  the  decision, 
were  it  in  their  favor  or  against  them.  Employers  have  not  always  seen  eve 
to  eve  with  them  and  have  been  slow  in  agreeing  to  an  impartial  tribunal, 
ignoring  the  necessities  of  life  and  almost  putting  the  laborer  on  the  same 
plane  as  the  merchandise  he  helped  to  put  on  the  market.  Whenever  disputes 
occurred,  therefore,  there  was  inevitably  a  conflict,  for  it  is  not  in  human 
nature  for  skilled  workmen,  who  know  their  own  value  in  the  marts  of  the 
world,  to  submit  to  treatment  of  this  kind.  The  strike,  therefore,  was  alwavs 
in  evidence  and  the  old.  old  story,  which  has  to  be  told  almost  from  the 
beginning  of  time,  of  the  weak  being  pitted  against  the  strong,  was  the  result. 
Continual  clashing,  involving  the  loss  of  money,  temper  and.  in  many  cases, 
self-respect,  did  not  tend  to  the  uplift  of  the  worker,  for  while  the  bread- 
winner was  forced  temporarily,  it  may  be,  out  of  his  job,  the  women  would 
suffer  and  the  children  would  go  hungry.  It  is  even  so  today,  though  the 
strength  of  the  labor  movement  mitigates,  to  some  extent,  the  suffering  of  the 
dependents. 

The  years  1901  and  1902  were  remarkable  chiefly  for  the  large  number  of 
small  grievances  with  local  firms,  many  of  whom  had  hardly  heard  of  the 
existence  of  the  Central  Labor  Union,  or  who.  at  least,  professed  never  to 
have  been  aware  of  its  existence.  The  troubles,  however,  mostly  appeared 
to  have  been  settled  amicably  and  with  little  display  of  force.  Outside  the 
jurisdiction,  troubles  of  international  importance  were  taking  place  which 
required  the  co-operation  of  the  local  body,  and  this  was  heartily  accorded. 
For  instance,  a  cash  register  concern  of  country-wide  importance  was  reported 
to  the  international  bodies  for  notoriously  unfair  conditions  in  their  shops,  and 
a  boycott  was  promptly  declared  on  their  wares.  For  many  months  the  struggle- 
continued  and  very  effective  were  the  methods  employed.  In  any  case  where 
information  was  received  that  the  production  of  this  firm  was  delivered  in  this 
city,  members  of  the  committee  having  the  matter  in  charge  called  upon  the 
recipients  and  pointed  out  the  possible  harm  to  their  trade  if  they  persisted 
in  retaining  the  obnoxious  firm's  goods,  and  scarcely  in  any  case  did  they 
report  non-success  in  having  the  goods  thrown  back  upon  the  maker's  hands. 
So  bitter  became  the  fight  that  the  local  agent  stated  that  the  boycott  had 
injured  his  sales  to  such  an  extent  that  action  by  the  firm  was  necessary,  and 
a  meeting  of  the  local  metal  polishers  and  the  local  agent  was  arranged  with 
a  view  to  settlement.  The  agent  took  the  matter  up  with  the  Xew  England 
agent>'  conference,  and  thus  was  shown  the  power  of  the  combination  of  the 
workers. 

Similar  action  was  taken  with  a  local  automobile  concern.  Pressure- 
was  brought  to  bear  on  local  medical  men  who  were  known  to  have  bought 
the  machines  of  this  firm,  and  an  early  request  was  made  by  the  manufacturer 
for  a  meeting;  the  matter  being  settled  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  body.  Again. 
a  rubber  firm  manufacturing  tires  of  international  fame  in  the  city  of  Xew 
York  were  declared  unfair  to  union  labor.  The  boycott  was  threatened  and 
the    firm    notified.     The    reply   tendered    to   the   committee   by    the   local    agent 


Central  Labor  Union  History  15 


was  that  he  would  rather  welcome  a  boycott  on  his  firm's  goods,  as  it  would 
advertise  them  better  than  he,  himself,  could  do.  This  was  an  international 
boycott,  called  for  by  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  and  the  action  taken 
by  the  local  committee  obtained  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land. 
The  tires  got  their  advertisement, — but  the  manufactory  was  very  shortly 
declared  fair  to  union  labor. 

With  Richard  A.  Hennessey  at  the  head  of  the  organization,  the  body  now 
began  to  assume  aggressive  tactics.  The  legislative  committee  was  getting 
in  its  work  and  the  lines  within  the  ranks  of  the  laboring  men  were  being  drawn 
tighter.  It  was  realized  that  the  union  man,  himself,  was  one  of  his  own 
greatest  enemies,  for  by  neglecting  to  live  up  to  his  obligation  he  was  playing 
into  the  hands  of  the  opposition,  and  so  the  unfair  list  was  called  into  exist- 
ence. Local  unions  were  requested  to  compile  a  list  of  firms  in  their  respective 
trades  that  were  not  in  entire  agreement  with  their  employes  and  who  were 
not  amenable  to  reason  from  their  standpoint  and  giving  the  reasons  for  that 
state  of  being,  the  possible  terms  of  settlement  and  suggestions  that  would 
aid  in  reaching  such  settlement  as  would  be  agreeable  to  the  workers.  The 
unfair  concerns  were  notified  of  the  attitude  of  the  unions  to  their  methods, 
and  suggestions  thrown  out  that  would  aid  in  reaching  a  settlement  that  would 
be  agreeable  to  the  men.  Pickets  were  appointed  to  watch  the  stores  and 
shops  to  prevent  any  union  man  from  dealing  with  them,  and  thus  the  unfair 
list,  as  a  practical  method  of  war.  came  into  being.  Something  of  the  sort 
had  existed  prior  to  this,  but  it  now  became  effective  for  the  first  time  in 
strength.  Indifference  to  their  own  interests  was  shown  about  this  time  by 
a  statement  of  a  local  master  teamster,  who.  when  approached  by  a  committee 
with  the  view  of  adjusting  a  grievance,  said  that  his  men  evidently  did  not 
want  interference  with  their  employment  and  had  no  use  for  unions,  as  he 
had  several  times  personally  paid  the  dues  of  such  of  his  men  as  were  in 
arrears  in  order  to  keep  them  together.  The  matter  in  dispute  was  dropped 
by  the  Central  body  and  referred  back  to  the  local. 

Hereabouts  the  local  bootblacks,  recognizing  the  advantages  of  combination, 
formed  themselves  into  a  union,  applied  for  a  charter,  and  upon  organization 
promptly  raised  the  price  for  a  shine  to  10  cents.  The  local  had  lots  of 
trouble,  however,  and  its  life  was  not  a  long  one. 

Labor  day  of  September,  1902.  was  remarkable  for  the  displav  of  strength 
exhibited  by  the  laboring  men  of  the  Connecticut  valley.  A  monster  parade 
was  organized  in  Holyoke,  and  it  is  estimated  that  fully  10,000  men  were  in 
line.  Springfield  sent  its  cpiota  under  the  marshalship  of  George  Wrenn. 
Conspicuous  uniforms  were  worn,  some  trades  appearing  in  white  suits  with 
black  ties,  others  varying  the  monotony  by  reversing  the  colors.  The  dav 
was  a  huge  success  from  every  point  of  view,  and  of  interest,  in  these  davs 
of  fast  motoring,  was  an  automobile  race  arranged  for  the  edification  of  the 
vast  crowd  that  assembled.  It  is  recorded  that  a  Springfield  machine  won 
the  race — the  first  of  its  kind  in  this  part  of  the  country — the  time  for  five 
miles  being  given  as  1."  minutes:  quite  a  contrast  to  the  fliers  being  built  In- 
some  of  the  men  of  organized  labor  today.  A  balloon  ascension,  too.  took 
place,  which  may  be  recalled  by  many  on  account  of  the  contretemps  that 
happened  to  the  aeronaut.  At  a  height  of  ."00  feet  or  so.  a  bomb  had  been 
arranged  to  explode,  which  would  release  a  parachute  to  which  the  aeronaut 
clung.     The  arrangement   succeeded   in   so   far  as   releasing  the  aeronaut    was 


10 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


concerned — but  the  man  dropped  into  the  Connecticut  river,  from  which  he  was 
rescued,  wetter,  if  not  wiser. 

Seventy  unions  claimed  allegiance  to  the  Central  body  in  1903.  approxi- 
mately 10,000  men  being  under  its  guardianship. 

The  name  of  Jeremiah  F.  Mahoney  stands  out  as  a  bright  particular  star 
in  everything  pertaining  to  the  labor  movement  wherever  he  had  been  located, 
and  his  death  at  the  comparatively  early  age  of  58  was  a  severe  blow  to  his 
large  circle  of  friends.  Born  in  Clinton  county,  Xew  York  state,  in  1850,  he, 
with  his  parents,  moved  into  this  state  at  a  very  early  age.  He.  however, 
learned  the  cigar  makers'  trade  in  Windsor,  Conn.  Upon  the  completion  of 
his  apprenticeship  he  joined  the  Cigar  Makers'  Union  and  remained  a  member 
until  the  reorganization  took  place.  On  December  18,  18S0,  he  became  asso- 
ciated with  the  International  in  Hart- 
ford and  continued  an  active  member 
till  his  death.  He  held  every  office  of 
consequence  in  the  gift  of  his  local  and 
was  a  delegate  to  International  con- 
ventions, Toronto  in  1883,  Cincinnati 
in  1884,  and  Binghamton  in  1887.  For 
two  years.  18S4-1SS5,  he  was  a  member 
of  the  International  executive  board  of 
his  organization,  being  seventh  vice- 
president.  While  Mr.  Mahoney  never 
sought  political  office,  it  is  on  record 
that  he  served  as  councilman  in  Spring- 
field during  the  years  18S9-1S92,  but  his 
heart  was  always  with  the  trade-union 
movement  and  it  is  a  matter  of  history 
that  his  advice  was  being  continually 
sought  in  matters  pertaining  to  crafts- 
manship. In  his  own  local  and  the 
Central  Labor  Union  he  has  held  many 
offices.  The  delegates  early  realized  his 
worth  as  a  "captain"  and  were  insistent 
that  he  hold  office.  He  was  several 
times  president  and  at  the  time  of  his 
death  he  was  corresponding  secretary 
of  the  body,  being  at  the  same  time 
label  secretary  of  the  local  Cigar  Makers'  Union,  a  very  important  position 
with  that  craft.  He  was  several  times  president  of  Cigar  Makers'  Xo.  49, 
and  was  at  intervals  for  a  number  of  years  an  organizer  for  the  American 
Federation  of  Labor.  Always  conservative  in  his  views,  he  never  fomented 
trouble  and  though  always  ready  to  stand  on  the  firing  line,  he  held  the  respect 
of  both  his  employers  and  his  fellow-workers  in  a  striking  degree,  and  his 
views  on  any  question  concerning  the  prohlems  of  the  day  were  listened  to 
with  marked  attention,  his  word  always  carrying  weight.  The  following 
strenuous  week  led  to  his  final  illness: 

Mr.  Mahoney  was  a  delegate  from  his  local  union  to  the  Xew  England 
Label  conference  in  Providence,  October  7  to  10,  1908;  immediately  upon  his 
arrival  home  he  left  for  Holyoke,  where  he  was  a  guest  and  speaker  at  the  tenth 


JEREMIAH     MAHONEY 
(Cigar    Maker)     Ex-President   of   the    Cen- 
tral   Labor    Union,    Who    Died    in 
Harness    as   Secretary. 


Central  Labor  Uxiox  History 


17 


anniversary  of  the  stationary  firemen.  He  left  Holyoke  the  same  evening 
about  11  o'clock  in  a  drizzling  rain,  and  the  next  day  found  him  en  route  for 
the  State  Branch  convention  in  Lowell.  After  the  session  he  admitted  that  he 
was  not  feeling  very  well.  After  eating  a  very  light  supper  he  went  to  his 
room  in  the  Xew  American  Motel  and  went  to  bed.  Soon  after  retiring  he 
began  to  feel  worse,  and  later  in  the  evening,  as  Frank  11.  McCarthy  of  the 
Boston  Cigar  Makers'  Union  was  going  down  the  hall  to  bis  room,  Mr. 
Mahoney  called  to  him.  Mr.  McCarthy  immediately  noticed  the  seriousness 
of  the  illness  and  called  a  physician.  Mr.  McCarthy,  the  physician  and  the 
Holvoke  delegates  staved  with  him  until  the  morning  hours,  when  it  was 
deemed  best  to  call  in  a  trained  nurse,  and,  on  account  of  lack  of  accommoda- 
tions for  a  sick  man.  be  was  removed  to  St.  John's  Hospital.  Improvement 
noticed  there  was.  however,  but  temporary  and  two  days  later.  October  11, 
IW\S,   he   died   of   acute   pneumonia. 

In  a  letter  to  the  secretarv  of  Xo.  49,  L.  A.  Bolio,  a  former  vice-president 
of  the  Cigar  Makers'  International  Union,  had  the  following  to  say  regarding 
the  death  of   Brother  Mahoney: 

"Words  cannot  express  my  sorrow.  I  first  met  him  at  the  Toronto  conven- 
tion in  !>>:>.  His  quiet,  unassuming  ways  and  apparent  good,  leved-headed 
judgment  en  all  matters  that  came  up,  attracted  me,  and  1  made  up  my  mind 
he  was  a  man  whose  acquaintance  was  worth  cultivating  and  1  have  not  been 
disappointed  in  him.  lie  was  a  trade  unionist  of  the  old  school  that  did  things 
hecause  he  saw  things  that  needed  to  be  done,  and  not  because  oi  any  financial 
recompense;  that  was  a  secondarv  matter  with  him.  Never  self-seeking,  but 
always  self-sacrificing.  Not  seeking  for  office  because  of  any  honor  it  would 
bring  to  him.  hut  only  accepting  office  when  urged  to  do  so  bv  bis  fellow- 
workmen,  because  of  the  opportunity  of  doing  good  in  such  office.  1  have 
valued  bis  friend-hip  and  loved  to  counsel  with  him.  We  of  Union  2s  have 
felt  that  he  belonged  to  us,  as  well  as  to  4'.'.  Personally,  you  and  I  will  miss 
him  greatlv  as  a  friend  and  co-worker.  Union  No.  I'.'  has  lost  one  of  its  most 
solid  men;  the  general  labor  movement  has  lost  a  respected  leader  and  hard 
worker.  Few  were  his  equals,  none  his  superiors.  Upright  in  character. 
honest  in  purpose,  true  to  his  convictions,  charitable  in  his  judgment  of  his 
opposers,  a  lover  of  justice  and  truth,  a  staunch  friend.  When  the  historv 
of  the  labor  movement  oi  Western  Massachusetts  is  written  the  most  prominent 
name  of  the  men  of  his  dav  will  be  that  of  [eremiah  b.  Mahoncv  of  Springfield. 
I  extend  my  heartfelt  sympathy  to  von  in  the  loss  of  our  mutual  friend,  and 
to  Union   No.  4!'  in  the  loss  of  one  of  it >  strongest  pillars." 

The  Central  Labor  Union,  in  taking  action  relative  to  the  death  of  their 
corresponding  secretary,  passed  the  following  resolutions: 


Whereas,  In  view  of  the  loss  we  have  sustained  by  the  death  of 
our  late  secretary,  it  is  -till  a  heavier  loss  to  those  near  and  dear  to 
him  ;   therefore,   he   it 

Rcsok'cd.  That  it  :s  but  a  just  tribute  to  the  memorv  of  our  de- 
parted brother  to  sav  that  in  regretting  his  removal  from  our  midst 
we  mourn  for  one  who  was  in  every  wav  worthv  of  our  respect  and 
regard  : 

/\\wr>/rv</.  That  we  sincerelv  condole  with  the  familv  of  the  deceased 
i  n  the  dispensation  with  which  it   has  pleased  Almightv  Cod  to  afflict 


IS 


Central  Labor  Union    History 


them,  and  commend  them  for  consolation  to  Mini  who  orders  all  things 
for  the  best,  and  whose  chastisements  are  meant  in  mercy; 

Resolved,  That  this  heartfelt  testimony  of  our  sympathy  and  sorrow 
l>e  forwarded  to  the  family  of  our  departed  brother,  be  published  in 
all  the  local  daily  papers,  and  spread  upon  the  records  of  the  Central 
Labor  Union. 

Sickness  and  distress  had  manifested  itself  at  a  period  prior  to  this  death, 
and  the  sympathy  of  the  workingmen  of  the  city  was  shown  in  a  striking 
manner  by  the  raising  of  a  cash  testimonial  to  relieve  him.  Xo  sooner  was  the 
appeal  made  than  the  local  unions  responded  and  in  short  order  a  sum  approach- 
ing the  $500  mark  was  raised,  his  own  local  contributing  generously  nearly  $100. 


JOHN     HURLEY 

Who   Has  Taken  Care  of  Labor  Lodges 

for   the   Central    Labor   Union 

for  Eighteen  Years. 

'i  he  year  lbUG  found  a  member  of  the  Typographical  Union,  for  the  second 
time  in  its  history,  at  the  head  of  the  organization.  Samuel  F.  Strangford  was 
chosen — Maurice  P.  Cavanaugh,  a  fellow-printer,  being  his  predecessor  by 
several  years.  At  the  January  meeting  a  committee  was  appointed  to  use  its 
good  offices  in  settling  a  strike  that  had  taken  place  at  the  plant  of  the  (  tverman 
Wheel  Company  in  Chicopee  Falls.  Here  about  sixty  polishers  had  gone  out 
and  the  Central  Labor  committee,  who  visited  the  officials  at  the  factory  the  day 
after  the  strike  was  initiated,  held  a  four  hours'  conference  with  the  authori- 
ties. This  proved  futile,  however,  and  active  hostilities  were  initiated  against 
the  wheel  companv  in  a  country-wide  campaign.  As  the  bicycle  industry  was 
then  at  it>  height,  the  striker  had  little  or  no  difficulty  in  securing  employment 
elsewhere,  while  the  struggle  eventually  resulted  disastrously  for  the  company. 

Under  Mr.  Strangford's  regime  steps  were  taken  to  reorganize  the  Barbers' 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


19 


Union  ;  a  resolution  was  introduced  looking  toward  the  establishment  of  a  co- 
operative store  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  feasibility  of  the 
movement.  The  store  was  afterward  started,  flourished  for  a  time,  and  then, 
like  Jonah's  gourd,  withered  away.  A  committee  was  also  appointed  to  draw 
up  and  have  in  charge  an  amendment  to  the  city  ordinances,  having  for  its 
object  the  abolition  of  contract  labor  on  city  work.  Two  years  prior  to  this 
a  petition,  originating  in  the  Central  Labor  Union  and  indorsed  by  many  of 
the  most  prominent   individuals   and  firms   doing  business   in    Springfield,   was 

presented  to  the  City  Council, 
having  this  end  in  view.  The 
ordinance  passed  the  lower 
board  and  was  given  two  read- 
ings by  the  Board  of  Alder- 
men. The  mayor  had  prom- 
ised to  sign  the  measure  if  it 
were  presented  to  him.  but  the 
summer  vacation  intervened, 
and  this  marked  the  end  of 
the  ordinance,  which  was  laid 
on  the  table  and  never  revived. 
As  the  city  government  had 
emphasized  the  point  that  when 
money  was  once  voted  to  a 
commission  the  council  had  no 
control  over  its  expenditures, 
it  was  proposed  to  attach  to 
each  appropriation  a  rider  to 
the  effect  that  none  but  citi- 
zens of  Springfield  be  em- 
ploved  on  the  projected  work. 
The  scheme  met  with  consid- 
erable favor  among  the  dele- 
gates to  the  Central  Labor 
Union,  but  failed  to  get 
through  the  obstructions  in  the 
council. 
Luring  the  early  months  of  lsixi  the  establishment  of  a  labor  temple  was 
strenuously  discussed,  also  the  founding  of  a  library  or  reading  room  to  contain 
literature  devoted  to  the  interests  of  unionism. 

At  this  time  the  controversy  which  marked  the  erection  of  the  Highland 
Hotel  took  place  between  the  Mason  Tenders'  Union  and  the  firm  of  Morrissey 
&  Shea.  The  mason  tenders  refused  to  work  for  Morrissey  &  Shea,  who  were 
the  lowest  bidders  and  to  whom  the  contract  had  been  informally  awarded,  as 
the  contract  contained  a  clause  that  only  union  men  should  be  employed,  and 
as  the  firm  was  unable  to  comply  with  this  requirement,  the  contract  was 
awarded  to  other  parties.  An  interesting  sequel  was  the  suit  brought  by 
Morrissey  &  Shea  against  the  Highland  Mottling  Company  for  the  amount  of 
their  estimated  profits  on  the  building,  which,  however,  was  decided  against 
them.  At  the  April  meeting  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  the  action  of  the 
Mason  Tenders'  Union  was  indorsed. 


SAMUEL     F.     STRANGFORD 
Ex-President   of   Central    Labor    Union. 


20  Central  Laisor  Uxiox  History 

At  the  semi-annual  meeting  of  180(5.  the  building  trades  committee  was 
instructed  to  look  after  the  employment  of  citizens  on  the  projected  Central 
High  School  when  work  on  it  should  begin,  and  an  emphatic  protest  was 
entered  against  paying  city  employes  by  check.  The  evils  of  the  custom  were 
thoroughly  brought  out  in  a  similar  protest  against  the  United  States  gov- 
ernment not  main-  vears  ago. 

An  especially  noteworthy  event  in  the  annals  of  l.sJMJ  was  observance  of 
Labor  Day.  which  was  celebrated  by  a  parade,  sports  and  dancing  at  Hampden 


RICHARD    A.     HENNESSEY 


An     ex-President    and     One    of    the     Best- 
Known    Labor    Men    in    the    State. 


Park.  Xearlv  2,000  union  men  were  in  line,  and  alx  ut  S350  was  added  to  the 
union's   treasury. 

Further  activity  in  the  line  of  organization  was  evinced  in  the  reorganiza- 
tion of  the  Horseshoers'  Union  toward  the  end  of  the  year. 

The  list  of  presidents  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  contains  none  better 
known  than  Richard  A.  Hennessey,  present  recording  secretary  of  Bricklayers, 
Masons  and  Plasterers'  Union.  Xo.  1,  who  held  the  office  in  the  vear  1002.     Horn 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


21 


in  Charlestown.  Massachusetts,  July  2>.  1n>2,  he  first  learned  the  trade  of  a 
boiler  maker.  For  twenty-seven  years  he  has  been  a  bricklayer,  and  has  been 
a  delegate  to  the  Central  body  as  long  as  his  union  has  been  affiliated.  His 
work  in  the  cause  has  been  noteworthy  and  he  has  served  as  president,  treasurer, 
on  the  board  of  trustees,  and  on  committees  that  are  countless.  His  influence 
in  the  deliberations  of  the  body  has  been  so  great  that  he  has  the  record  of 
having  introduced  more  important  constitutional  matters  for  consideration  than 
anv  other  delegate.  Mr.  Hennessey  firmly  believes  in  avoiding  trouble  when- 
ever possible,  though  he  never  goes  out  ot  his  way  to  avoid  it  it  it  threatens. 
His  theorv  is  that  vou  can  get  into  difficulties  in  five  minutes  by  not  exercising 
the  proper  precautions  that  will  take  three  months  to  get  out  ot.  Cool  and 
collected  in  debate,  he  has  been  able  many  times  to  convince  the  body  that  his 
arguments  were  correct,  and  been  able  to  carry  his  point  by  his  thorough 
knowledge  of  his  subject  and  way  of  handling  it.  lie  is  listened  to  with 
respect  whenever  he  has  the  floor.  His  best  work  has.  perhaps,  been  done 
with  the  legislative  committee,  ol  which  he  is  a  member  in  this  year  ot  grace. 
Mr.  Hennessey  has  consistently  refused  renomination  to  the  highest  office  in 
the  Central  Labor  Union,  his  plea  being  that,  out  of  some  200  or  300  men.  it 
was  possible  that  some  more  able  man  could  be  found  and  that  he.  whoever 
he  may  be.  should  be  given  an  opportunity  to  serve.  Luring  Mr.  Hennessey's 
presidency  the  tobacco  strippers  reported  a  new  scale  of  prices,  carrying  with 
it  an  eight-hour  day.  and  the  president  served  on  a  committee  with  Secretary 
George  Vincens  and  Miss  Mary  Garvey  of  the  Tobacco  Strippers'  Union,  look- 
ing toward  the  enforcement  of  this  scale.  Their  efforts  were  successful,  for 
in  just  about  a  month  the  committee  reported  that  the  tobacco  workers  had 
commenced   the  48-hour   week,   without   any   reduction    in   pay. 

|.  Vincent  Burke,  treasurer  of  the  Central  Labor  Union,  is  a  member  of 
the  Mulder's  Lnion,  and  has  been  an  active  and  efficient  worker  in  various 
capacities    in    both    bodies. 

The  records  of  the  body  prior  to  the  acceptance  of  a  charter  from  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor  are  so  incomplete  that  it  has  been  found 
impossible  to  obtain  a  connected  story  from  them.  Kven  since  180(3  the  records 
are  far  from  complete,  and  it  has  been  only  by  painstaking  research  in  library 
records  and  other  places  that  it  has  been  possible  to  compile  the  following  list 
of  officers   from    ISiMi  to  date.     Perpend: 

1  S0»*»  President,  Samuel  I-'.  Strangford;  financial  secretary,  William  11.  Grady;  record- 
ing   secretary,    Charles    Spencer. 

iv.'T      President,   J.    F.    Mahoney;    secretary,  M.    .1.    Ludden;    treasurer,    \\".     11.    Grady. 

18!"8      ['resident,    .1.    I-'.    Mahoney;    secretary,    M.    .1.    Ludden;    treasurer,    .L>lm    H.    Logan. 

18H!i      ! 'resident,  W.    I  >.    B.    Mitchell;    secretary,   Otto    Mache;    treasurer,    John    B.    Logan. 

I'.iOO      President,    Simon    J.    Griffin;    secretary,    otto    Mac-he;    treasurer,    John    B.    Logan. 

1H01      President,   George    II.    Wrenn:   secretary,  otto   Mache;    treasurer,   Simon   .1.   Griffin. 

1002  President,  Kichard  A.  Hennessey;  secretary,  George  P.  Vincens;  financial  secre- 
tary,   Ghai  lis    B.    Poller;    treasurer,    Simon    J.    Griffin. 

lHO.'S  President.  George  li.  Wrenn:  recording  secretary,  George  K.  Vincens:  financial 
secretary.    Charles    B.     Porter:     treasurer,     liichard     A.     Hennessey. 

pifll  President,  M.  J.  Kelleher:  recording  secretary,  George  P..  Vincens:  financial 
secretary,    Charles    B.     Porter:    treasurer,    Itichard    A.     Hennessey. 

190.">  President,  George  Payne:  recording  secretary,  James  Smyth:  financial  secretary, 
A.    A.    Matthews:    treasurer,    P.    II.    Kappold. 

l!»0fi  President,  George  Payne:  recording  secretary,  James  Smyth:  financial  secretary, 
A.    A.    Matthews:    treasurer,     I '.     II.     Kappold. 

1907  President,  William  II.  Grady:  recording  secretary,  James  Smyth:  financial  secre- 
tary,   A.    A.    Matthews;    treasurer,    I '.     II.    Kappold. 

1008  President.  William  Klynn:  recording  secretary.  J.  F.  Mahoney:  financial  secre- 
tary,   Charles   R.    Porter:    treasurer,    P.    H.    Kappold. 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


1900 — President,    William    Haley;    recording    secretary,    William    J.    Murphy;    financial 

secretary,    Charles    B.    Porter;    treasurer,    I '.    H.    Bappold. 
1010    -President,    William    Haley;    recording    secretary,    William    J.    Murphy;    financial 

secretary,    Charles    B.    Porter;    treasurer,    P.    H.    Rappold. 
1  Oil— President,  Paul   Mavis;  recording  secretary,   D.   E.   McCarthy;   financial  secretary, 

Charles   B.    Porter:    treasurer,    Vincent    Burke. 
1012     President,   Paul   Davis;   recording  secretary,    1  >.    E.   McCarthy;   financial  secretary, 

Charles   B.    Porter;    treasurer,    Vincent   Burke. 

The  list   of  vice-presidents  is  not  a  matter  of  complete  record. 

The  last  three  years  have  heen  full  of  promise  and  progress  has  been  notice- 
able. Among  the  many  items  culled  from  the  minute  hook  the  following  stand 
out  prominently:  In  1909  a  smoke-talk  cleared  $80  for  the  treasury;  the 
steam  fitters  secured  a  weekly  half-holiday  with  no  reduction  in  wages  ;  ( iov- 
ernor  Drapers'  veto  of  the  eight-hour  bill  was  followed  by  a  strenuous  labor 
campaign  throughout  the  state  that  materially  assisted  in  his  defeat;  great 
activity  among  the  metal  polishers,  who  doubled  their  membership;  the  activity 
of  the  labor  element  brought  about  the  defeat  of  Representative  Madsen  of 
Holyoke.  Early  in  1910  the  Ludlow  strike  was  settled.  Rev.  George  Venn 
Daniels,  following  his  fine  defense  of  labor,  was  to  attend  any  meeting,  given 
the  freedom  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  and  invited  to  any  meetings  which 
he  could  make  it  convenient  to  attend. 

The  Central  Labor  Union  was  invited  by  the  municipality  to  co-operate 
with  the  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  city  charter  in  1910,  but  though 
efforts  were  made  by  the  body  to  get  in  touch,  the  labor  men  were  completely 
ignored.  This  discourtesy  was  the  cause  of  considerable  feeling,  which 
showed  itself  in  acrimonious  talk  on  the  floor.  The  charter  experts  of  the 
city  were  afterward  invited  to  express  their  views  on  the  subject  at  the 
educational  hour  of  the  body,  an  innovation  that  was  introduced  early  in  1911. 
Many  brilliant  speakers  have  attended  this  educational  hour,  and  the  scheme 
has  been  of  immense  benefit  to  the  delegates.  Among  other  speakers  can  be 
named  Henry  Lasker,  ex-Senator  Malley,  and  Rev.  A.  YV.  Atkinson  of  Chicago, 
himself  a  delegate  to  the  Atlanta  Central  Labor  Union. 

A  bill  was  fathered  by  the  Cigar  Makers'  Union  to  enforce  the  instalation 
of  fire  escapes  on  buildings.  The  Lawrence  strike  aroused  the  body  to  action 
and  nearly  $600  was  secured  and  forwarded  for  the  benefit  of  the  strikers,  not 
to  mention  wearing  apparel.  The  following  theaters  assisted  by  giving  benefit 
performances  at  the  request  of  the  Central  Labor  Union:  Ardel,  and  Edisonia; 
Bijou  gave  a  sum  of  $20  to  the  fund,  and  the  management  of  Poli's  Theater 
gave  the  free  use  of  that  house  for  a  mass  meeting. 


Some  Prominent  Labor  Leaders 


George  A.  Payne  is  a  native  of  Boston.  He  learned  his  trade  in  Spring- 
field and  joined  Painters  and  Decorators'  Union,  Xo.  257,  in  1893.  lie  has 
served  twice  as  president  of  the  Central  Labor  Union,  1905  and  1900,  three 
times  as  president  and  eight  times  as  treasurer  of  his  local,  and  his  work 
in  each  and  every  position  he  has  filled  has  been  eminently  satisfactory.  He 
still   looks  after  the  finances  of  the  painters. 

Mr.  Payne  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War,  having  served  three  years  in  the 
First  Massachusetts  Infantry  and  one 
year  in  the  Fourth  Massachusetts 
Heavy  Artillery.  He  was  wounded 
at  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run.  The 
influence  of  his  military  training  and 
discipline  have  been  evident  in  his 
work  for  the  unions,  and  he  has 
proved  a  tower  of  strength  both  in 
his  own  organization  and  in  the  de- 
liberations of  the  Central  Labor 
Union,  for,  besides  being  an  excep- 
tionally able  executive  officer,  he  is 
noted  for  his  ability  as  a  committee- 
man, his  work  in  that  capacity  having 
been  of  particular  value  at  critical 
times  in  the  history  of  the  Central 
bodv.  Slow  of  speech,  he  is  never- 
theless very  effective  in  debate  and 
possesses  the  rare  jewel  of  silence  at 
the  right  time.  He  is  listened  to  with 
interest  whenever  he  has  the  floor 
and  his  phrases  are  well  chosen  and 
to  the  point.  He  has  always  taken 
an  active  interest  in  the  welfare  of 
all  the  local  bodies  represented  in  the 
Central  Labor  Union  and  in  all  move- 
ments that  tend  to  benefit   labor  and  the  community  in  general. 

Mr.  l'avne  stepped  into  the  breach  when  the  affairs  of  the  co-operative 
laundry  were  at  a  low  ebb,  and  his  effective  administration  was  successful 
in    saving  quite   a    lot   from    the   wreck. 


GEORGE  A.   PAYNE 

President      of     the      Central      Labor 
Union    and    Secretary    of 
the    Painters 


PAUL    DAVIS 


Anniversary 


President      of 
Labor     Union 


the      Central 


Central  Labor  Uxiox  History 


Xot  the  least  important  of  the  men  who  have  held  office  in  the  Central 
Lahor  Union  is  Paul  Davis,  the  present  head  of  the  body,  who  succeeded 
William  F.  Ilealcy  in  1910.  Paul  is  the  popular  secretary  of  the  Bill  Poster-, 
and  during  his  two  years'  occupation  of  the  presidential  chair  many  important 
matters  have  had  to  be  decided.  Several  strikes  have  been  before  the  body 
for  approval  or  otherwise,  and  many  questions  requiring  the  finest  tact  and 
diplomacy  have  been  handled  tinder  his  leadership,  but  all  questions  have  found 
him  ever  ready  and  willing  to  put  forth  his  best  efforts  looking  to  a  speedy 
and  peaceful  settlement.  Well  conversant  with  the  niceties  of  parliamentary 
law.  Mr.  Davis  is  never  at  a  loss  when  questions  requiring  such  settlement 
in  debate  come  before  him.  and  he  is  as  adamant  when  once  he  has  made  a 
decision,  being  rarely  reversed  on  appeals  to  the  body,  lie  was  elected  without 
opposition  at  the  close  of  his  first  term  and  as  ex-officio  member  of  the  anni- 
versary committee  has  been  indefatigable  in  his  effort.-  to  keep  things  running 
smoothly. 

A  member  of  several  bodies.  Air.  Davis  holds  cards  in  both  the  Stage  I  lands' 
and  Pill  Posters'  Unions,  and  his  work  for  the  Central  body  has  been  uniformly 
satisfactory  and  productive  of  results. 


JAMES    S.    SHERBURNE 


Who,    with    Bishop    N.    Saltus,    Started    the 
Central    Labor  Union 


Central  Labor  Union  History  27 


James  S.  Sherburne,  who  was  so  closely  associated  with  Bishop  N.  Saltus 
in  the  formation  of  the  Central  Labor  Union,  and  made  the  motion  to  organize 
that  body,  is  a  native  of  Springfield.  He  learned  the  art  preservative  of  all 
arts  in  Cedar  Falls.  Iowa,  and  while  working  as  a  compositor  in  Blooming- 
ton,  Illinois,  joined  the  Peoria  Typographical  Union  in  1SS2.  He  has  been 
employed  in  the  course  of  his  long  connection  with  the  printing  trade  as 
compositor,  proofreader,  correspondent  and  editor,  his  ramifications  extending 
through    Illinois.    Iowa   and   this   state. 

In  1886  Air.  Sherburne  deposited  a  Springfield  (111.)  card  with  Typo- 
graphical Union,  Xo.  210.  and  immediately  became  active  in  the  work  of  that 
body,  of  which  he  has  served  four  times  as  president,  in  1S8S,  1896,  1898  and 
1899.  He  has  also  served  terms  as  presiding  officer  of  other  organizations. 
On  committee  work  for  the  printers'  organization  he  has  been  peculiarly  active 
and  as  a  member  of  the  executive  board  has  given  his  best  ideas  to  its  service. 
As  one  of  the  committee  that  handled  the  Xew  England  Typographical  con- 
vention which  met  in  Springfield  in  1911,  he  was  particularly  active,  and  after 
a  hard  day's  work  at  his  office  was  always  ready  to  put  in  another  hard  night 
in  contributing  to  the  success  of  that  affair. 

Air.  Sherburne's  knowledge  of  the  trade  union  movement  in  this  vicinity 
has  been  of  valuable  assistance  to  the  editor  of  this  work,  and  to  his  efforts 
no  small   share  of  the  success  of  this  volume  is  due. 

He  has  been  a  delegate  to  the  Central  Labor  Union  at  various  intervals 
for  the  past  twenty-five  years.  He  was  given  the  chairmanship  of  the  anni- 
versarv  committee. 


Central  Labor  Uxiox   History 


George  il.  Wrenn,  one  of  the  ablest  men  identified  with  the  labor  move- 
ment in  the  country,  learned  the  cigar  maker's  trade  in  this  city  and  before 
the  expiration  of  his  apprenticeship  became  an  active  worker  in  the  cause 
of  unionism.  He  joined  the  Knights  of  Labor  in  1S85  and  the  Cigar  Makers' 
Cnion  a  year  later.  lie  has  served 
as  president  of  the  Central  Labor 
Cnion  >ix  tiir.es,  has  presided  over 
the  deliberations  of  the  Cigar  Makers' 
Cnion  of  New  England  and  led  the 
local  union  of  cigar  makers.  '1  he 
local  branch  of  the  Foresters  of  Amer- 
ica, too.  have  enjoyed  his  leadership, 
and  he  at  one  time  served  as  president 
of  the  Atlanta   Boat  Club. 

fie  has  taken  an.  active  part  in  the 
formation  of  most  of  the  local  unions 
in  this  city  during  the  last  twenty 
vears.  and  his  services  have  been  in 
great  demand  in  the  settlement  of 
disputes  between  the  men  and  their 
employers.  Far  above  the  average  in 
ability,  he  has  been  ever  active  in 
the  councils  of  the  Central  body  and 
is  looked  up  to  as  a  leader. 

George  Wrenn  has  spent  practi- 
cally all  of  his  life  in  Springfield  and 
has  been  one  of  the  prominent  Social- 
ists of  the  state.  He  ran  for  gov- 
ernor on  the  Socialist  ticket  in  1001. 
lie  has  been  a  delegate  to  many 
national  and  state  conventions  of  his  trade  and  a  delegate  to  the  Central 
Labor  Cnion  nearly  twenty  years,  lie  possesses  the  confidence  of  the  labor 
people  to  such  an  extent  that  he  was  given  full  authority  to  act  for  the 
strikers  in  settling  the  dispute  with  the  Ludlow  Manufacturing  Associate-, 
and  did  much  to  bring  that  struggle  to  a  satisfactory  conclusion.  His  ability 
to  successfully  fill  the  various  positions  to  which  he  has  aspired,  or  to  which 
his  friends  have  aspired  for  him — for  Mr.  Wrenn  was  ever  a  modest  man — 
has  never  been  questioned  even  by  his  opponent-,  lie  is  still  working  in  the 
cause  of  unionism  with  all  his  old-time  vigor. 


GEORGE     H.     WRENN 

Six  Times   President  of  the  Central    Labor 

Union;  a   Leader  in   Labor 

Progress. 


Central   Labor   L'xiox    History 


2!) 


Xi)  harder  worker  in  labor's  cause  lives  in  the  city,  or  in  the  state,  for 
that  matter,  than  William  E.  Flynn.  Born  in  Huddersfield,  England,  in  1*71. 
Mr.  Flvnn  came  to  this  country  thirteen  years  later  and  was  apprenticed  to 
the  stone  cutter's  trade  in  lSSfi.  lie  was  early  imbued  with  the  spirit  of 
unionism,  and  immediately  on  com- 
ing out  of  his  time  he  joined  the 
union    of   which    he   is   now   president. 

The  travel  spirit  got  him  early, 
for  two  months  after  getting  his  card 
he  got  awav  to  Princeton,  X.  J.,  where 
he  assisted  in  the  work  on  the  famous 
college.  His  travels  extended  through 
Xew  York  City.  West  Virginia,  Indi- 
ana. Vermont.  Toronto  and  Windsor 
in  Canada,  and  the  World's  Fair  in 
Chicago.  This  spirit  of  travel  cannot 
lie  called  "wanderlust"  in  the  case  of 
a  stone  cutter,  tor  it  is  one  oi  the 
essentials  the  journeyman  must  en- 
dure that  he  follow  his  contractors 
around  the  country. 

Locally,  Mr.  Nvnn  worked  on  the 
new  Massachusetts  building,  the  High 
School,  and  at  one  period  of  his  ca- 
reer he  served  the  Boston  &  Maine 
railroad  as  a  machinist.  Politically, 
he  served  on  the  Democratic  citv 
committee     for    three    years,    but     has  WILLIAM    FLYNN 

been    particularly   active    in    the   cause      President   of   the   Stone   Cutters'    Union 
oi    labor.      I  le   has   held   all   the  offices 

in  the  gift  oi  his  local,  of  which  he  is  president,  was  president  of  the  Central 
Labor  Cnion  in  l'.MI.s,  is  president  of  the  building  trades  council  of  the  Amer- 
ican Federation  of  Labor,  and  worked  like  a  Trojan  for  the  anniversary  which 
this  volume  and  the  banquet   of  May  >  commemorates. 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


Xot  the  least  important  of  the-  presidents  that  have  led  the  Central  Labor 
Union  is  William  F.  Healey,  who  preceded  the  present  holder  of  that  office, 
Paul  Davis,  in  the  chair.  Mr.  Healey  is  a  member  of  the  Trolleymen's  Union. 
ami  although  he  has  never  held  office  in  that  organization,  his  foresight  and 
wisdom  have  been  of  inestimable  value  to  that  bod  v.     He  was  chieflv  known 


WILLIAM   F.  HALEY 

Ex-President     of     the      Central      Labor 
Union 

as  an  orator,  and  bis  sonorous  voice  was  listened  to  with  delight  both  in  the 
deliberations  of  bis  own  local  and  by  the  delegates  to  the  Central  body.  Mr. 
Healey's  occupation  of  the  chair  was  cut  short  by  illness,  which  necessitated 
a  trip  to  Denver,  and  a  popular  subscription  gathered  for  him  by  the  trolley- 
men  realized  river  a  thousand  dollars,  testifying  to  the  popularity  of  bis  fellows. 


The  Labor  Lyceum 


The  vicissitudes  of  the  Central  body  and  its  peregrinations  around  the 
city  at  various  stages  of  its  career,  which  culminated  in  the  settlement  at  the 
hall  at  the  corner  of  Market  and  Sanford  streets  was  once  more  brought  to 
the  forefront  by  the  intimation  that  the  lease  would  run  out  shortly  and  that 
it  would  be  necessary  to  obtain  fresh  quarters.  The  matter  was  threshed  out 
in  several  meetings  and  finally,  on  the  first  Sunday  of  February,  1011.  a  com- 
mittee of  twenty-five  delegates  was  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  devising  ways 
and  means  of  securing  a  new  building  to  be  owned  in  its  entirety  by  the  labor 
men  of  Springfield,  thus  to  obviate  the  further  pushing  about  from  pillar  to 
post  of  the  Central   body  and  always  have  at   the  disposal   of  labor  a  temple 


F.    DOW 
Chairman    of     Lyceum     Committee 

that   should  at  once  be  a   credit   to  organized   labor  and  a   handsome   building 
that  should  be  a  credit  to  the  citv  of  Springfield. 

The  committee  selected  at  the  meeting  named  consisted  oi  the  following 
delegates:  William  II.  Cradv  and  brank  I'.  Dow  of  the  Painters;  Homer  II. 
beClair  and  William  J.  Murphy  of  the  Cigar  Maker- ;  J.  J.  Walsh  and  R.  A. 
Hennessey  of  the  bricklayers:  Thomas  McCarroll  of  Carpenters.  Xo.  177: 
W.  |.  LaFrancis  and  I'eter  llushey  of  Carpenters'  X".  !••> ;  Charles  lb  Porter 
and  Charles  S.  U'Regan  of  Typographical  L'nion,  Xo.  l'1<'>:  Jefferson  Dooley 
of  the  Rakers:  Paul  Davis  of  the  Rillpostcrs  and  chairman  of  the  Central 
Labor  Cnioii  :  Mi--  Mary  Carvey  of  the  Tobacco  Strippers:  I.  Vincent  lUirke 
of    the    Moulders:     |.     |.    Dwver    of    the    P.artendcrs;    D.    P..    McCarthv    of   the 


Central  Labor  Uxion  History 


['lumbers;  John  Hurley  of  the  Coal  Handlers;  J.  Y.  McCormick  of  the  Sheet 
.Metal  Workers:  M.  J.  Markley  of  the  Metal  Polishers;  II.  ('.  Xeibuhr  of  the 
Barbers;  William  T.  Ward  of  the  Brewery  Workers;  William  T.  Flvnn  of 
the  Stone  Cutters;  I'.  J.  O'Brien  of  the  Street  Railway  Employes,  and  Y.  I!. 
Carroll  of  the  Musicians. 

After  many  meetings  and  much  deliberation  the  committee  reported  to  the 
Central  Labor  Union  that  it  thought  it  best  to  secure  a  charter  from  the  State 
of  Massachusetts  and  form  a  Labor  Lyceum  Association,  and  their  report  was 
agreed  to  by  the  Central  body.  At  the  April,  1911,  meeting  the  committee 
was  instructed  to  apply  for  such  charter,  and  on  April  l.'J  the  charter  com- 
mittee met  at  l!l  Sam  ford  street  and  the  corporation  papers  were  signed,  the 
following  delegates  being  present  and  affixing  their  signatures  to  the  necessarv 
papers:  William  H.  Grady,  William  J.  Murphy,  John  Hurley,  J.  Vincent 
Burke,  Frank  B.  Dow.  Paul  Davis,  Thomas  McCarroll,  Joseph  V.  McCormick, 
Walter  J.  La  Francis,  John  J.  Dwyer,  Henry  C.  Xeibuhr,  Daniel  E.  McCarthy, 
Charles  S.  O'Regan,  William  T.  Ward,  Michael  J.  Markley,  Homer  11.  LeClair 
and    Peter    Bushey. 

Frank  B.  Dow  was  elected  temporary  clerk  and  duly  sworn,  and  William 
II.  Grady  was  chosen  chairman  temporarily.  After  the  association  was  organ- 
ized and  the  by-laws  adopted,  Mr.  Grady  was  elected  president,  Frank  B.  Dow 
secretary,  and  J.  Vincent  Burke  treasurer,  and  the  aforementioned  seventeen 
members  a  board  of  directors,  they  being  the  charter  members. 

The  charter  was  issued  under  date  of  May  Pi.  1911,  by  the  State  of  Massa- 
chusetts, and  at  a  meeting  of  the  association  held  a  fortnight  later  the  following 
members  were  added,  all  being  delegates  to  the  Central  body:  John  I.  Walsh, 
William  Flynn,  P.  J.  O'Brien,  T.  B.  Carroll.  R.  A.  Hennessey,  Miss  Mary 
Garvey,  C.    B.  Porter  and  Jefferson    Dooley. 

Although  great  enthusiasm  was  exhibited  at  the  various  meetings  of  the 
Centra]  body,  support  in  a  financial  manner  was  lacking,  and  appeals  were 
made  bv  the  secretarv  for  money.  Several  unions  contributed  in  a  novel 
manner,  giving  to  the  fund  one  cent  for  each  unit  of  the  number  of  their 
local:  thus.  Typographical  Union,  Xo.  210,  contributed  the  sum  of  $21. Mt,  and 
the  committee  have  several  schemes  to  come  up  later  in  this  fourth  anni- 
versary year,  a  fair  being  planned  on  a  large   scale   tor  the    tall   of   the   year. 

It  is  the  aim  of  the  association  to  build  a  temple  that  will  house  all  the 
locals,  provide  reading  rooms,  social  rooms,  and  possibly  rooms  that  can  he- 
utilized  for  such  amusements  as  bowling  and  pool.  Several  >ites  have  been 
looked  over  and  many  good  opportunities  have  been  allowed  to  go  begging 
ii])    to   the    present    for    lack    of   the    funds    to   properly   take    up   options. 


BRIEF  SKETCHES 

.  .  .  OF  .  .  . 

LOCAL    UNIONS 


_ 


The  Strength  of  the  Trolleymen 


One  of  the  finest  lessons  of  organization  is  to  be  read  in  the  history  of 
Springfield  division.  Xo.  448,  of  the  Amalgamated  Association  of  Street  and 
Electric  Railway  Employes  of  America,  or  the  "Trolleymen's  Union,-'  as  it 
is  more  popularly  known.  From  darkness  and  doubt  in  the  early  days  the  local 
has  emerged  into  light  and  strength,  and  it  is  to  its  officers  chiefly  that  the 
splendid  progress  of  the  body  is  due,  backed  up  by  splendid  loyaltv  by  the  rank 
and  file. 

Organized  in  January,  1907.  the  trolleymen  have  made  their  presence  as 
a  body  felt  in  many  ways  and  from  a  paltry  dozen  members  they  have  now, 
in  a  little  more  than  five  years,  multiplied  their  ranks  to  over  GOO  members. 
The  story  of  the  local  can  best  be  told  in  the  words  of  Arthur  E.  Wilson,  the 
efficient  recording  secretary  of  the  body,  than  whom  none  is  better  versed  in 
the  struggle  for  existence  and  recognition  of  the  local  street  car  men.  Mr. 
Wilson   writes : 

"As  in  the  contemplation  of  all  good  movements  for  the  benefit  of  mankind 
which  have  been  brought  about  by  persistent  and  untiring  effort  on  the  part 
of  some  one.  or  a  few  individuals,  so  in  reviewing  the  work  and  accomplish- 
ments of  Division  44S  of  the  Amalgamated  Association  of  Street  Railway 
Employes  of  America,  one's  mind,  acquainted  with  the  early  history  of  the 
international  organization  of  street  car  men,  cannot  help  but  think  of  the 
unfailing  interest,  unflagging  activity  and  persistent  fighting  in  the  face  of 
great  odds  that  has  characterized  the  work  of  the  leaders  in  the  movement  for 
the  benefit  of  street  car  men.  in  the  building  up  of  the  association  and  making 
possible  the  organization  of  trolleymen  in  the  city  of  Springfield.  Men  are 
often,  in  the  enjoyment  of  privileges  and  working  conditions  won  for  them, 
unmindful  of  the  hardships,  privations,  care,  even  the  breaking  down  of  health, 
of  some  man  in  the  van  of  such  a  movement,  to  the  end  that  others  shall  enjoy 
the  fruits  of  their  labor  in  privileges  and  concessions  that  otherwise  would  be 
denied  to  them. 

"The  career  of  International  President  Mahon  is  an  example.  With  the 
principles  of  unionism  deeply  imbued  in  his  heart.  Mr.  Mahon  has  sacrificed 
himself  to  a  life  work  which  in  other  fields  of  endeavor  would  doubtless  have 
brought  him  fame  and  fortune.  But  he  set  his  heart  on  the  cause  of  the  trolley- 
men, and  in  leading  the  fight  in  the  early  days  defeat  stared  him  in  the  face 
many  a  time  and  oft.  Never  despairing  of  the  ultimate  triumph  and  justice  of 
his  cause,  he  fought  on.  though  harrassed  and  maligned  to  a  degree  that  would 
have  broken  any  but  an  exceptionally  strong  spirit.  One  night  he  would  be 
leading  meetings  in  a  city  where  the  fight  was  hottest;  the  next  would  see  him 
jumping  a  freight  if  finances  did  not  permit  of  a  berth  in  a  Pullman  car,  and 
the  perils  that  he  escaped  and  the  hardships  he  had  to  undergo  in  his  strenuous 
life  had  their  effect  in  broken  health.  All  honor  to  such  a  man,  and  happy 
the  body  that  has  such  a  leader  to  fight  its  battles. 

"By  personal  association  with  the  international  officers,  most  of  whom  have 
fought  in  the  cause  for  many  years.  I  can  say  they  have  been  tried  and  found 
true,  and  it  would  be  hard  to  find  a  more  courageous,  true-hearted  and  intelli- 
gent set  of  men  in  any  walk  of  life.     Regin  Orr,  international  treasurer,  an  old 


Central  Labor  Union  History  35 


war  horse  of  the  association,  mild  of  manner  and  a  character  of  gold,  is  often 
referred  to  as  the  father  of  Division  448.  On  Decemher  28,  1900,  I  received 
a  personal  visit  from  Mr.  Orr.  He  explained  that  he  understood  there  was  a 
sentiment  for  organization  among  the  men  operating  the  cars  locally.  He  said 
he  had  interviewed  others  and  had  been  directed  to  me  to  ascertain  my  senti- 
ments. It  was  evidently  a  still  hunt,  hut  it  developed  that  there  was  a  real 
sentiment  for  organization,  and  accordingly  notices  for  a  meeting,  to  be  held 
on  January  10.  1907,  were  sent  out  in  a  quiet  manner.  The  minutes  of  that 
meeting  are  here  reproduced : 

In  Central  Labor  Union  hall,  meeting'  of  motormen  and  conductors 
called  to  order  by  International  Treasurer  Regin  Orr,  for  the  purpose 
of  organizing  a  division  of  the  Amalgamated  Association  of  Street  and 
Electric  Railway  Employes  of  America.  The  meeting  was  addressed  by 
W.  E.  Terry  of  Washington,  D.  C,  organizer  of  the  American  Federation 
of  Labor.  Those  present  enrolled  their  names,  after  Brother  Terry  was 
made  temporary  secretary.  A  motion  was  adopted  that  a  committee  of 
five  be  appointed  to  have  the  custody  of  money  until  such  time  as  a 
permanent  officer  should  be  appointed.  Brothers  Wheaton,  Killam, 
O'Grady,    Hennessey   and   Devine   were   appointed. 

The  meeting-  then  adjourned,  with  the  understanding  that  the  night 
men    should    at   midnight    hold   a   similar   meeting. 

W.  E.  Terry, 
Secretary   Pro   Tern. 

"Of  those  enrolled  as  members  that  night,  there  appear  in  the  minutes  no 
record,  but  as  I  recall  it,  there  were  twelve  or  fourteen  names  taken,  and  of  that 
number  only  two  failed  to  keep  their  obligation,  probably  to  their  regret.  These 
two  never  came  back  and  became  part  of  the  one  per  cent  of  the  unorganized 
men  working  on  the  Springfield  street  railway  system.  They  have  since  left 
the  service.  It  must  be  said  to  the  credit  of  those  who  honored  their  obligation 
by  faithfully  observing  it  in  the  early  days,  that  they  exhibited  no  small  degree 
of  courage,  when  it  is  stated  that  the  organization  was  attended  by  the  bitterest 
opposition. 

"As  before  intimated,  the  records  do  not  show  the  names  of  the  pioneers  of 
the  local,  but  the  following  names  appear  on  the  charter  issued  to  the  faithful 
few  by  the  international:  Luther  M.  Mickcrson,  Ransom  C.  Cornish.  Forrest 
F.  Correy,  Patrick  J.  O'Brien,  Allan  G.  Mann,  Connor  C.  O'Grady,  Richard 
Thomas.  Patrick  J.  Kelley,  William  F.  Dalton,  Martin  J.  Hennessey. 

"It  took  courage  of  a  high  order  to  assume  the  leadership,  for  it  was  soon 
patent  to  all  that  the  officials  of  the  new  organization  would  be  the  first  to  feel 
discrimination  in  case  of  opposition,  but  at  the  second  meeting  more  members 
were  enrolled,  and  the  first  board  of  officers  was  elected  as  follows: 

President — John  J.  Gleason. 

Vice-President — Richard  Lovett. 

Financial  Secretary — M.  J.  Hennessey. 

Recording  Secretary — Connor  C.  O'Grady. 

Treasurer — John  F.  Conlin. 

Conductor — R.  G.  Cornish. 

Warden — C.  A.  Bradway. 

Sentinel — Sidney  1  lousinger. 

Fxecutive  Hoard — The  first   four  mentioned,  ami  John   Price  John  J. 
Devine.    |olm  Hamberg  and   Fred  Trvon. 


30 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


"To  these  officers  was  entrusted  the  destinies  of  the  newly  formed  local, 
and  the  path  was  not  strewn  with  roses.  From  the  first  sacrifices  were  made 
to  the  cause  and  the  finest  tact  and  diplomacy  were  necessary  for  the  first 
twelvemonth.  John  Gleason  resigned  from  the  presidency  in  the  spring  of 
the  year  to  accept  a  more  lucrative  position  outside,  and  the  chair  was  then 
filled  by  \Y.  G.  Wiseman,  he  holding  the  place  of  honor  but  three  months,  and 
being  succeeded  by  P.  J.  O'Brien,  who  has  ably  filled  the  presidential  chair 
ever  since. 

"A  few  months  after  the  establishment  of  the  division  a  voluntary  increase 
of  wages  was  tendered  to  the  trolleymen,  the  while  the  executive  board  was 
at  work  on  a  new  scale  to  be  presented  to  the  powers  that  be.     The  voluntary 

increase    was    insufficient    to    satisfy 
demands,  and  the  new  schedule  was 
^^rffl       jj&i,  .  presented,    a    -mall    compromise    ef- 

fected and  a  second  substantial  in- 
crease granted  by  the  company  over 
the  original  advance. 

"During  the  first  six  months  of 
its  existence  the  employers  showed 
no  open  hostility  to  the  newly  formed 
union,  even  expressing  pleasure  that 
the  men  had  organized;  at  the  same 
time,  however,  an  undercurrent  of 
sentiment  was  exhibited  by  the  dis- 
charge of  many  men — all  of  them 
unionists — on  one  pretext  or  another, 
and  things  began  to  assume  a  very 
ugly  appearance.  The  executive 
began  sparring  for  an  opening 
and  the  board  was  soon  on  the 
manager's  calling  list.  Air.  Page 
then  held  the  reins  of  management, 
and  he  soon  had  the  opportunity  to 
become  acquainted  with  some  very 
determined  men.  who.  when  his  de- 
cisions did  not  come  up  to  the  re- 
quirements of  the  justice  of  the 
particular  case  tinder  discussion  took 
the  matter  to  a  higher  tribunal,  even  to  Charles  L.  Mellen  himself.  In  the 
earlier  discussions  of  grievances  some  very  warm  sessions  took  place  in  the 
managerial  offices,  and  Recording  Secretary  O'Grady  was  a  shining  light  in 
leadership,  his  recognition  as  a  man  of  ability  being  shown  in  dismissal  from 
the  service.  He  waived  his  chances  of  reinstatement  for  the  purpose  of 
expressing  his  views  upon  this  and  other  deals  to  the  men  responsible  for  his 
dismissal,  and  in  frank,  vigorous  language  he  made  himself  clear  on  the  point. 
His  loss  was  much  regretted  by  his  colleagues,  and  he  is  still  remembered  by 
many  as  the  "grand  old  man"  of  the  division,  though  he  is  by  no  means  a 
patriarch. 

"The  right  of  a  hearing  when  accused  of  any  violation  of  the  rules  was  a 
privilege'  obtained  at  early  conferences.     The  manager  declared  that  his  office 


P.     J.     O'BRIEN 
President    of    the    Trolleymen's    Union. 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


37 


was  open  to  us  at  all  times  and  he  would  be  willing  to  discuss.  This  was  a 
concession,  indeed,  for  prior  to  this  a  man  was  dismissed  first  and  then  took 
his  chances  of  an  inquiry  and  subsequent  reinstatement,  which,  needless  to  add. 
were  so  slim  as  to  be  negligible.  He  had  no  redress,  and  in  case  of  protest 
was  told  to  'Get  out.' 

"The  right  of  a  hearing  and  increased  wages  thus  secured  gave  splendid 
prestige  to  the  organization  that  was  far-reaching  in  its  effects.  The  man- 
agement had  conceded  the  square  deal  and  there  was  a  feeling  of  fellowship 
among  the  rank  and  file.  We  began  to  think  we  were  working  for  a  common 
cause.  The  spirit  thus  manifested  spread,  and  it  has  been  a  dominant  feature 
of  our  dealings  ever  since.  This 
is  as  it  should  be,  for  it  is  a 
well-known  fact  that  where  an 
unorganized  body  of  men  work 
without  direct  contact  with  the 
powers  that  be  the  officials  are 
often  regarded  as  despots,  and 
perhaps  unjustly.  It  was  cer- 
tainly so  in  the  case  of  the 
trolleymen  of  Springfield  before 
organization  furnished  the  op- 
portunity for  employer  and  em- 
ploye  to   get   together. 

'"Opportunity  was  early  given 
the  officials  to  declare  their 
policy  witb  regard  to  the  new 
body.  Opposition  was  engen- 
dered in  a  rather  peculiar  man- 
ner. An  attempt  was  made  to 
.start  a  rival  organization  among 
the  men:  for  what  purpose  can 
only  be  surmised.  At  all  events. 
President  O'Brien  deemed  the 
time  ripe  to  approach  the  man- 
agement. Accordingly  the  lead- 
ing officials  were  invited  to  be 
present  and  speak  at  a  smoke- 
talk,  for  winch  arrangements 
had  been  made.     They  attended. 

Xon-members,  too.  were  invited  and  a  goodly  company  turned  out  to  hear  what 
the  president  of  the  road  and  General  Manager  Page  had  to  say.  [Tarmonv 
was  the  keynote,  and  those  outside  the  fold  were  astonished  to  be  advised  to 
get  into  the  ranks  ot  the  legitimate  organization.  The  sequel  was  startling. 
At  the  next  meeting.  September,  1!><>7,  the  president  of  the  rival  bodv.  who 
was  not,  however,  the  organizer,  attended  and.  with  eighty-nine  of  his  fellows., 
was  taken  into  the  fold  audi  duly  initiated.  From  time  to  time  since  smoke- 
talks  have  been  arranged  and  officials  invited  to  express  themselves  on  matters 
of  vital  importance  to  the  well-being  of  both  the  men  and  the  company. 

"Matters   so   far   shaped   themselves   that,   two   months   after   this    influx  of 


CHARLES    J.     McMORROW 

Vice-President    of    the    Trolleymen's 

Union. 


38  Central  Labor  Union  History 


new  blood  into  the  ranks,  negotiations  were  opened  looking  to  the  adoption 
of  a  new  wage  scale.  The  negotiations  were  successful  and  the  minimum  was 
raised  ten  cents  per  day  and  the  time  necessary  to  reach  the  maximum  was 
cut  down  from  ten  years  to  six ;  the  maximum  being  fixed  at  $2.50  per  day. 
This  was  considered  a  great  achievement,  considering  the  dull  times.  Shortly 
after  this  the  old  board  of  officers  were  re-elected  and  the  first  five  of  the 
old  board  have  served  the  division  with  distinction  to  the  present  day, 
having  been  unanimously  chosen  every  December,  with  the  exception  of  Vice- 
President  Lovett,  who.  in  December  of  1910.  declined  to  serve.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Charles  J.  McMorrow.  The  retention  of  these  men  in  office  year 
after  year  speaks  volumes  for  their  efficiency  and  has  made  for  harmony.  The 
list  of  officers  is  as  follows: 

President— P.  J.  O'Brien. 

Vice-President — Charles  J.  McMorrow. 

Recording  Secretary — Arthur  E.  Wilson. 

Financial  Secretary — Martin  J.  Hennessey. 

Treasurer — John  E.  Conlin. 

Conductor — David  Crowley. 

Warden — D.  R.  Sullivan. 

Outside  Sentinel — M.  J.  McDonald. 
"The  genesis  of  any  undertaking  is.  of  course,  the  critical  time,  and  vigi- 
lance must  be  exercised  at  all  times  to  the  end  that  sloth,  carelessness  and  folly 
do  not  make  their  appearance  and  wreck  the  good  work  started.  This  applies 
to  the  rank  and  file  as  well  as  to  the  officers,  and  blessed  be  that  body  which, 
with  its  leaders,  has  maintained  that  spirit  of  loyalty  to  their  fellows  so  essential 
to  success  and  kept  sharp  the  fighting  edge,  never  shirking  battle  if  it  is  neces- 
sary, ever  aggressive  and  progressive.  Such  has  been  the  spirit  shown  by  the 
executive  of  Division  448,  and  this  spirit  has  been  loyallv  backed  by  the  men 
in  the  ranks. 

"A  strong  treasury  was  soon  recognized  to  be  a  necessity,  and  with  this 
object  in  view  the  trolleymen's  ball  was  inaugurated  in  the  first  winter  of  the 
organization's  existence.  It  was  an  instant  success  and  the  basis  of  a  fine 
bank  account  was  thus  fixed.  Each  succeeding  year  has  been  better  than  its 
predecessor  in  this  respect,  and  the  annual  event  is  not  considered  to  have 
been  a  success  unless  it  has  financially  exceeded  its  immediate  predecessor. 
The  annual  ball  is  now  considered  a  fixture  in  the  towns  of  Palmer  and  West- 
field,  where  the  trolleymen  are  represented.  Picnics  and  trolley  rides  are  run 
betimes,  too,  and  the  treasury  benefits  accordingly. 

"The  protection  of  the  interests  of  the  men  being  understood,  the  body 
aimed  to  secure  justice  and  a  fair  hearing,  and  this  is  now  an  accomplished 
fact.  Working  conditions  have  been  so  far  improved  that  it  is  doubtful  if 
any  better  could  be  found  in  the  country  on  any  system.  Other  objects  aimed 
at  have  been  hit.  The  body  has  done  good  work  in  the  elimination  of  acci- 
dents on  the  streets,  as  far  as  was  possible.  Deputations  of  the  division  have 
waited  on  team  owners,  truckmen  and  the  unions  controling  the  teaming  busi- 
ness with  requests  that  drivers  aid  in  cutting  down  accidents  by  the  exercise 
of  ordinary  care,  and  it  has  been  surprising  how  much  the  accident  roll  has 
diminished,  saving  the  company  many  thousands  of  dollars  and  rendering 
working  conditions   less   dangerous   for  the   car   crews. 

"Few  events  stand  out  conspicuously  in  the  history  of  the  local;  there  have 


Central  Labor  Union*  History 


39 


been  no  internal  troubles  to  speak  of,  the  firm  front  always  presented  by 
the  body  having  been  a  strong  factor  in  obtaining  all  reasonable  demands,  and 
since  the  initial  opposition  friendly  feelings  have  existed  between  the  men  and 
their  employers.  A  written  agreement  had,  up  to  1910,  been  non-existent,  but 
in  September  of  that  year  one  was  successfully  negotiated  after  arbitration  had 
dragged  its  weary  length  from  the  preceding  June.  It  was  renewed  the  fol- 
lowing year  and  plans  are  now  under  consideration  for  its  renewal  for  a  third 
term,  with  some  modifications. 

"The  membership,  at  first  restricted  to  motormen  and  conductors,  now 
embraces  the  men  in  the  trolley  express  department,  repair  men,  sanders  and 
oilers,  and  has  grown  from  small  proportions  to  over  000.  All  motormen  and 
conductors  in  Palmer  and  Westfield  are  members  of  the  division,  and  less  than 
a  dozen  in  Springfield  are  on  the  outside. 

"The    local    has    always    paid    $7 

a    week    sick    benefit    after    the    first  

week's  illness,  and  a  death  benefit 
of  $100  has  been  paid  by  the  in- 
ternational. Legislation  enacted  by 
the  international  convention  of  the 
Amalgamated  Association  of  Street 
and  Electric  Railway  Employes  of 
America,  held  at  St.  Joseph,  Mo., 
last  September,  on  January  1  of  the 
present  year  increased  the  dues  from 
75  cents  to  95  cents,  the  death  benefit 
being  at  the  same  time  raised  from 
$100  to  $800,  according  to  length  of 
membership,  from  one  to  eight  years. 
The  new  law  also  provides  that 
twenty-one  years'  membership  en- 
titles a  member,  when  he  has 
reached  the  age  of  05,  to  a  lump 
sum  of  $800  as  an  old-age  pension 
fund.  Division  44S  made  the  dues 
an  even  dollar  after  the  convention, 
thus  providing  an  extra  five  cents 
per  capita  for  the  sick  fund.  The 
sick  and  disabled  members  have  al- 
ways liven  cared  for  by  the  division, 
none    being    allowed    to    suffer    for 

want  of  financial  support.  Aside  from  the  sick  benefits  provided  for,  a  relief 
fund  has  liven  established  by  the  provision  of  a  box.  into  which  each  man,  as 
he  receives  his  weekly  pay,  drops  small  sums,  according  to  his  inclination, 
brum  this  box  those  in  distress  are  cared  for. 

"The  division  takes  an  active  interest  in  matters  of  legislation  on  subjects 
not  only  concerning  the  trolleymen  personally,  but  anything  tending  to  the 
uplift  of  the  worker  generally.  It  stanchly  supports  the  nine-hour-in-eleven 
bill  for  street  car  men  and  considers  it  a  progressive  piece  of  legislation  and 
which  it  hopes  to  see  pass  without  spoiling  amendments.  Politically*  the  body- 
is   represented    by    brothers    holding  office    in    rainier:   J.   J.    O'Connor   of   the 


MARTIN    J.     HENNESSEY 

Financial     Secretary    of    the    Trolleymen's 

Union. 


40 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


Springfield  system  is  a  Chicopee  alderman,  who  keeps  a  watchful  eye  on 
'everything  pertaining  to  his  fellow-workers,  and  there  is  good  legislative  timber 
in  the  ranks.  It  has  been  the  hope  of  his  colleagues  that  William  F.  Haley, 
sometime  president  of  the  Central  Labor  Union,  would  take  to  politics  and 
run  for  office.  His  oratorical  powers  and  devotion  to  the  cause  of  labor  would 
doubtless  have  won  him  fame  in  the  halls  of  legislature,  but  his  health  failed 
him,  owing  to  his  heavy  duties  in  the  negotiation  of  the  agreement  two  years 
ago.  the  while  he  held  the  presidential  chair  of  the  Central  Labor  Union,  and 
a  trip  to  Denver  failed  to  renew  his  one-time  vigor.  At  the  time  of  writing 
he  is  confined  to  his  home  in  a  serious  condition  of  health. 

"President  O'Brien  has  been  urged  by  his  colleagues  to  enter  politics 
actively,  and  it  is  said  that  he  has  consented  to  run  for  representative  from 
his  ward.  Mr.  O'Brien  possesses  the  qualities  necessary  for  a  man  to  repre- 
sent others ;  he  has  shown  this  by  his 
tenure  of  office  as  president  of  his 
local.  Upright,  fearless,  with  a  mind 
of  his  own,  he  is  capable  and  not 
afraid  to  express  his  views.  Presi- 
dent O'Brien  first  took  the  gavel 
on  August  13,  1907,  and  that  day 
marked  a  new  era  in  the  life  of  the 
struggling  local.  For  nearly  five 
years  he  has  fought  the  fight,  not 
because  he  was  looking  for  glory, 
but  because  he  saw  in  it  his  duty. 
His  ability  is  recognized  interna- 
tionally, and  headquarters  calls  him 
frequently  to  go  far  afield  and  settle 
disputes,  his  judgment  seldom  meet- 
ing with  reverse. 

"Richard  Lovett.  who  served  the 
local  for  four  years  as  vice-presi- 
dent, has  always  performed  the 
duties  of  his  office  to  the  satisfaction 
of  all.  The  duties  of  the  vice-presi- 
dent of  this  body  consist  of  looking 
after  the  sick  as  well  as  the  ordinary 
work  pertaining  to  his  office  of 
presiding  in  the  absence  of  the 
president.  He  has  ever  been  assidu- 
ous in  his  attention  to  the  invalids  and  is  still  a  valued  member  of  the 
organization.  His  successor,  Charles.  J.  McMorrow,  is  a  worthy  successor. 
Possessing  the  qualities  of  courage  and  stamina  that  made  his  predecessor  so 
successful.  Air.  McMorrow  adds  to  this  a  fine  discrimination  and  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  intricacies  of  parliamentary  law  and  executive  ability,  and 
is  thus  well  equipped  to  carry  on  the  varied  duties  that  fall  to  him. 

"John  F.  Conlin,  the  treasurer,  who,  while  Mr.  Hennessey  acts  as  watch- 
dog, sits  upon  the  lid,  has  served  from  the  first  and  is  one  of  the  type  of 
men  that  would  make  good  in  any  position  which  his  abilities  would  enable 
him   to   fill."' 


ARTHUR     E.    WILSON 

Recording    Secretary    of    Division    448    and 

Delegate   to   the  Central    Labor   Union. 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


41 


Arthur  E.  Wilson,  the  present  recording  secretary,  is  a  modest  man  and 
has  little  or  nothing  to  say  about  himself,  preferring  to  let  his  deeds  speak 
for  him.  He  is  recognized  by  his  fellows  as  an  efficient  officer.  Delegate  to 
the  Central  Labor  Union,  he  was  nominated  for  the  office  of  financial  secretary 
to  that  body  at  the  last  election  and  was  barely  beaten  by  the  present  holder 
of  that  office,  Charles  B.  Porter  of  the  Typographical  Union.  The  campaign 
was  too  short  to  be  effective,  however,  but  Mr.  Wilson  will  yet  be  heard  from. 
though  not  necessarily  as  a  candidate  for  office. 

Division  44s  has  been  connected  with  the  Central  body  from  its  organiza- 
tion in  1907,  for  at  the  second  meeting  steps  were  taken  to  affiliate,  the 
following  being  named  as  delegates:  Connor  C.  O'Grady,  T.  F.  Connery,  John 
O'Malley,  John  Devine  and  W.  E.  Trombley.  Delegates  representing  the 
division  in  this  year  of  grace  are:    P.  J.  O'Brien,  C.  J.  McMorrow,  William 


DAVID     CROWLEY 

Conductor    of    Division     No.    448. 


JOHN     E.    CONLIN 
Treasurer  of   Ttolleymen's    Local. 


F.  Haley,  E.  Lawlor  and  Arthur  E.  Wilson.     The  division  is  also  represented 
in  the  Chicopee  Trades  Alliance  and  the  Central   Tabor  Union  of  Westfield. 

Finally,  as  the  the  true  measure  of  a  man  is  his  deeds,  so  can  an  organiza- 
tion be  judged  by  its  accomplishments  and  adherence  to  the  truth  of  labor 
union  principles.  Division  44>s  need  not  blush  for  lack  of  the  latter,  nor  for 
it>  accomplishments,  lor  it  has  secured  tor  its  members  freedom,  justice. 
promoted  their  social,  moral  and  mental  welfare  and  elevated  their  occupation. 
Those  who  recall  the  old  days  can  vouch  for  this.  The  local,  however,  is  not 
content  to  rest  on  its  laurels,  neither  will  it  allow  the  sweets  of  success  to 
work  to  its  undoing.  With  leadership  alert  and  active,  the  body  will  keep  a 
watchful  eve  on  events  and  continue  to  work  for  the  benefit  of  all  and  those 
vet  to  come. 


Painters- Winning  the  44-Hour  Week 


Very  varied  has  been  the  story  of  the  painters  of  this  vicinity.  The  year 
ISSo  seems  to  have  been  pregnant  with  the  spirit  of  organization,  for  the  local 
wielders  of  the  brush  got  together  in  that  year  and  formed  an  organization 
which  was  known  as  Local  Assembly,  Xo.  6252,  of  the  Knights  of  Labor.  Two 
years  later  the  International  Brotherhood  of  Painters,  Paper  Hangers  and 
Decorators  of  America  was  organized  as  a  national  body,  and  the  local  assembly 
was  incorporated  into  that  body.  They,  too,  met  in  the  old  Foot  block  in 
their  early  days.  There  was  no  definite  scale  of  wages  in  existence  at  that 
time  and  ten  hours  constituted  a  day's  work.  Little  progress  was  made  until 
1S03,  when  the  present  local,  Xo.  257,  came  into  being  as  the  result  of  the 
efforts  of  a  few  union  men,  among  them  Charles  Rawbone  and  Jeremiah 
Mahoney  of  the  Cigar  Makers'  Lnion. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  new  local  was  called  to  order  on  April  12,  1803, 
at  Schroeder's  Hall.  West  State  street,  and  sixty-six  men  enrolled  themselves 
under  the  banner.     The  officers  elected  then  were : 

President — James  Clune. 

Vice-President — George  Marsh. 

Recording  and  Corresponding  Secretary — A.  Prior. 

Finanical  Secretary — James  H.  Sullivan. 

Treasurer — William  Costello. 

Conductor — Jeremiah   Sullivan. 

Warden — Timothy  Xoonan. 

Trustees — John  Sweeney,  William  H.  Grady,  Timothy  Xoonan. 
After  the  election  of  officers,  and  before  it  was  decided  to  apply  for  a 
charter,  it  was  decided  to  sound  the  employers  locally  as  to  their  views  on 
a  nine-hour  day.  with  a  minimum  wage  of  $2.50  for  that  period  of  labor.  The 
opinion  thus  obtained  was  not  very  favorable,  but  they  persisted  and  were  not 
to  be  denied.  Thus  was  launched  one  of  the  militant  trades  unions.  Hardly 
was  the  ink  dry  on  the  membership  roll,  and  before  the  charter  had  been 
received,  they  made  their  demand — in  the  shape  of  a  notification  to  the 
employers  that  thereafter  nine  hours  woidd  be  considered  a  day's  work,  and 
thev  agreed  to  walk  off  their  jobs  at  5  o'clock  instead  of  G.  They  kept  their 
word,  and  the  first  victory  of  Local  Xo.  257  was  won. 

Two  months  after  organization  had  been  effected  they  started  on  right 
lines  bv  cementing  their  organization  and  electing  delegates  to  the  Central 
Labor  Lnion.  and  with  few  exceptions  the  local  has  always  been  represented 
in  the  deliberations  of  that  body,  five  delegates  being  always  present  to  answer 
their  names  at  the  roll-call. 

The  paper  bangers  had  held  aloof  from  the  new  body,  but  in  1896  over- 
tures were  made  bv  men  representing  that  branch  of  the  trade  for  admission; 
thev  were  received  with  open  arms,  and  since  that  year  X"o.  257  has  been  a 
mixed  body. 

When  a  call  for  a  national  convention  of  the  Brotherhood  came  in  1807 
the  local  responded  and  elected  James  II.  Sullivan  to  represent  them.  That 
delegate  returned  to  his  local  proudly  wearing  the  mantle  of  general  president 
of  the   national   organization. 

The  period  from  1807  to  1001  saw  very  few  changes  in  the  wage  scale,  but 


Central  Labor  Union  History  43 


the  local  was  not  idle  and  enthusiasm  was  manifest  in  many  ways,  and  the 
result  of  the  three  years'  work  was  far-reaching  in  its  effects  and  the  union- 
izing- of  all  the  competent  workmen  of  the  craft  was  not  the  smallest  of  the 
tasks  done.  An  aggressive  array  of  dehaters  was  developed  and  the  tactics 
of  the  organization  made  for  a  strongly  militant  body  that  was  the  foundation 
of  the   strong  organization   that   exists   today. 

By  the  end  of  1900  the  membership  had  reached  the  200  mark  and  it  was 
deemed  a  fitting  time  to  endeavor  to  shorten  the  hours  of  labor  still  further, 
and  the  slogan  of  the  times,  "Eight  hours  shall  constitute  a  day's  work,"  was 
the  dominant  spirit.  The  demand  was  made  upon  the  master  painters  for  an 
eight-hour  day,  with  no  reduction  in  pay.  These  gentlemen  declared  that 
the  proposition  was  out  of  the  question  and  if  it  were  persisted  in  there  would 
be  nothing  left  for  them  but  to  go  out  of  business.  The  union  stood  to  its 
guns,  however,  and,  an  unfavorable  answer  being  returned  to  them,  struck 
work  on  March  1,  1901. 

Several  conferences  took  place  between  the  men  and  their  employers,  and 
an  arbitration  committee  from  the  Central  Labor  Union  succeeded,  on  March 
G,  in  reaching  a  workable  agreement,  and  the  strike  was  declared  off,  the  men 
returning  to  work  with  all  their  demands  granted  in  full  after  a  six  days' 
strike.  This  was  the  first  general  stoppage  of  work  in  the  trade  locally,  and 
it  is  to  be  noted  that,  notwithstanding  the  statement  of  the  emplovers  that  thev 
would  be  forced  out  of  business  if  they  were  compelled  to  comply  with  the 
demand  made  upon  them,  thev  are  still  in  business. 

The  scale  thus  put  through  as  the  result  of  the  strike  gave  the  painters 
$2. Til)  for  an  eight-hour  day  and  the  paper  hangers  $3  for  the  same  workday. 
This  agreement  continued  in  force  for  two  years,  or  until  190:3. 

Two  months'  notice  was  handed  to  the  emplovers  in  March,  1903,  that  an 
increase  in  the  scale  would  be  reqttested,  and  on  April  1  a  flat  scale  of  $3  a 
dav  for  both  painters  and  paper  hangers  was  demanded,  an  increase  of  50 
cents  a  day  for  the  painters,  thus  equalizing  the  pay  of  both  branches  of  the 
trade  and  allowing  a  man  to  work  at  either  if  he  had  the  opportunity  and  so 
desired.  This  proposed  adjustment  was  the  result  of  many  internal  disagree- 
ments over  the  painters  hanging  paper  for  the  paper  hangers'  scale,  ami  vice 
versa,  and  was  deemed  a  good  way  to  settle  all  disputes  in  the  local. 

The  master  painters  refused  utterly  to  accept  or  even  consider  the  new 
scale  and  requested  the  union  to  reconsider  its  action.  The  local  was  stubborn, 
too,  and  refused  to  abate  their  demand,  reaffirming  their  position  in  the  matter. 
On  the  morning  of  April  1,  the  men  did  not  appear  for  work  in  the  shops  of 
the  contractors  belonging  to  the  members  of  the  masters'  association.  Instead, 
they  assembled  in  Central  Labor  Union  Hall  to  consider  the  report  of  the 
committee  that  had  been  handling  the  negotiations.  This  report  was  in  the 
nature  of  a  communication  from  the  master  painters  officially  refusing  the 
proposed  scale.  The  strike  naturally  resulted.  Eight  days  after,  a  further 
proposition  was  received  from  the  employers,  but  this  was  not  entertained 
bv  the  men,  and  the  third  week  of  the  strike  was  entered  into.  Three  days 
later  a  letter  was  received  from  the  mayor,  Everett  E.  Stone,  who  had  become 
interested  in  the  struggle,  containing  an  offer  from  the  contractors  that  thev 
would  agree  to  a  sliding  scale — $2. SO  for  the  first  year  for  the  painters  and  $3 
for  the  second  vear.  This  offer  was  balloted  upon  in  the  presence  of  the 
city  messenger,   who  had  carried  the  proposition   from  the  mayor.     The   vote 


44  Central  Labor  Union  History 


to  stand  out  for  the  original  demand  was  practically  unanimous.  Four  days 
later  a  committee  from  the  Central  Labor  Union  received  an  offer  conceding 
a  further  five  cents  a  day.  This,  too,  was  balloted  on,  and  again  was  the 
vote  in  favor  of  continuing  the  fight.  The  contractors  were  becoming  uneasy, 
and  a  few  days  later  came  a  communication  from  their  representative  con- 
ceding in  full  the  demands  of  $3  a  day,  and  this  was  accepted  by  a  standing 
vote  and  the  men  ordered  to  return  to  work.  Thus  ended  the  strike  for  $3  a 
day,  the  second  appeal  to  that  method  in  the  history  of  the  painters. 

For  five  years  harmony  reigned  and  nothing  worthy  of  note  occurred  to 
disturb  the  serenity  of  the  local  :  then,  in  100s.  the  movement  for  the  44-hour 
week  having  been  talked  over  by  some  of  the  other  bodies  connected  with 
the  building  trades,  the  painters  deemed  the  time  ripe  for  them  to  obtain  this 
desideratum.  The  establishment  of  a  shorter  working  period  is  always 
strenuously  contested  by  the  employer,  especially  if  those  selfsame  employers 
constitute  themselves  guardians  of  the  public  weal.  The  request  for  forty-four 
hours  for  a  working  week  was.  therefore,  considered  nothing  short  of  anarchy 
and  the  opposition  was  particularly  strenuous.  The  painter  was.  however,  not 
to  be  deterred  from  leading  his  brother  craftsman  in  the  building  trades  on  to 
better  conditions,  and  amid  the  good  wishes  of  his  fellows  and  with  no  material 
assistance  from  any  of  them,  he  made  his  demand.  The  request  was  met  by 
a  promise  to  grant  the  concession  the  following  year.  Promises  for  future 
are  ever  looked  on  with  suspicion  and  no  compromise  on  the  44-hour  week 
was  entertained,  and  the  third  strike  for  betterment  was  inaugurated  on  April 
1.  1908.  In  addition  to  the  shorter  work  day,  the  demand  included  a  raise 
of  pay  to  S3.2>  per  day.  and  a  tougher  proposition  could  hardly  be  imagined. 
It  was  veritably  one  of  the  industrial  milestones  of  the  labor  movement  in 
the  city. 

The  master  painters,  coached  by  the  other  kindred  organizations,  at  once 
declared  for  the  open  shop — that  now  discredited  acme  of  perfection.  They 
followed  the  fashion  of  the  times  by  displaying  in  conspicuous  positions  in 
their  shops  a  placard  with  the  legend  ''Open  Shop''  thereon.  And  the  public 
was  informed  that  the  painters  wanted  pay  for  Saturday  afternoons  without 
working  for  it.  The  "open  shop"  was  the  panacea  for  all  the  industrial  evils 
of  the  times,  and  the  cure-all  was  eagerly  sought  by  all  the  employers,  thereby 
hoping  that  the  painter  would  get  tired  of  the  fight  and  return  to  his  situation 
to  work  alongside  the  non-unionist  that  had  been  imported  to  take  his  place. 
It  does  not  seem  to  be  clear  to  the  employer  that  he  cannot  run  an  open  shop 
where  a  good  union  is  concerned:  a  non-union  shop  he  may  run.  but  the  union 
laborer  himself  is  the  man  to  say  whether  the  open  shop  shall  exi<t. 

The  local  now  settled  down  to  a  long  struggle.  There  was  no  question  of 
compromise.  It  was  either  the  union  shop  or  no  shop  at  all.  and  in  many 
cases  it  was  the  latter  for  many  of  the  members.  They,  however,  stood  loyally 
to  their  guns  and  were  compelled  to  seek  work  outside  the  city  or  eke  out 
their  existence  with   odd  jobs   wherever  they   could  obtain  them. 

The  strike  was  scheduled  to  last,  at  the  longest,  four  or  five  weeks  bv 
the  employers,  but  when  that  stage  was  reached  there  were  no  signs  of  a 
weakening,  and  the  fight  settled  down  to  what  was  the  longest  struggle  in 
the  history,  industrially,  of  Springfield.  From  the  full  quota  of  269  members 
at  the  opening  of  the  strike,  the  numbers  of  the  local  dwindled  at  the  end  of 
six  months  to  149.     Manv.  as  has  been  said,  left  the  citv  to  seek  work  else- 


Central  Labor  Union  History  45 


where;  some,  by  force  of  circumstances,  succumbed  to  the  enemy,  and  the 
treasury  of  the  local  would  not  at  that  time  have  bought  many  bricks  for  a 
labor  temple,  but  the  fighting  spirit  still  existed  with  all  its  old-time  fire.  The 
following  year  found  the  battle  still  on,  but  the  local  was  gaining  ground 
slowly  but  surely.  The  membership  was  increasing  and  the  boast  of  the 
employers  that  Xo.  257  would  be  whipped  into  line  in  six  weeks  was  not 
fulfilled. 

The  second  year  saw  conditions  much  the  same,  each  side  endeavoring 
to  obtain  some  advantage,  however  small.  At  the  election  of  officers  of 
the  local,  several  changes  were  made,  the  most  important  being  the  succession 
of  P.  H.  Triggs  to  the  post  of  business  agent,  so  long  held  by  \Y.  H.  Grady. 
Plans  were  made,  also,  to  start  an  aggressive  campaign  in  an  endeavor  to  add 
more  of  the  contractors  to  the  fair  list.  Within  a  few  weeks  of  the  start  of 
this  campaign  came  a  break  in  the  ranks  of  the  master  painters,  and  this 
advantage  being  followed  up  smartly,  some  sixty-one  members  and  several 
contractors  signed  the  painters'  agreement.  Air.  Triggs  was  the  victim  of 
the  bitterness  that  had  been  engendered.  lie  spent  several  weeks  in  a  hospital 
as  the  result  of  being  shot  by  a  non-union  painter.  This  attempt  on  the  life 
of  the  business  agent,  however,  modestly  called  an  incident  by  the  victim,  did 
not  retard  the  progress  of  the  organization,  and  the  onward  march  to  victory 
was  not  halted  for  a  moment,  the  men  composing  the  body  grimly  keeping 
at  it.  The  end  of  1011  saw  the  beginning  of  the  end  of  the  struggle;  one 
after  another  of  the  master  painters  came  into  line,  and  the  fight  was  narrowed 
down  to  a  few  of  the  largest  of  the  contractors,  who  steadfastly  refused  to 
get  into  line.  They  were  finally  brought  to  see  the  error  of  their  ways,  and 
the  master  painters,  as  an  organization,  passed  out  of  existence,  victory  finally 
resting  with  the  members  (if  Xo.  2~>~i .  after  a  struggle  that  lasted  over  three 
years  and  three-quarters,  a  struggle  that  will  be  remembered  by  all  who  had 
part  on  both  sides. 

During  the  year  1011,  and  while  the  strike  was  still  on,  Xo.  i_T>7  added  to 
its  roll  of  membership  14<i  names  and  secured  agreements  with  every  con- 
tractor of  any  consequence. 

The  lessons  of  the  strike  were  wholesome  tor  both  sides.  An  organization 
that  can  wage  a  four  years'  fight  is  not  to  be  ignored  when  it  makes  a  demand 
and  it  has  a  tendency  to  create  stability  and  conservative  action,  and  doubtless 
everv  measure  will  be  exhausted  before  the  word  strike  is  uttered  .again.  The 
fellow-craftsmen  of  the  building  trades  all  enjoy  the  44-hour  week,  gained 
without  their  losing  a  dav ;  the  way  having  been  blazed  by  the  painters  to  one 
of  the  goals  of  better  conditions  industrially.  Among  the  employing  painters 
todav  are  many  ex-strikers,  forced  into  the  ranks  of  the  employer  by  the 
strike;  they  are  men  to  be  proud  of,  for  they  held  their  cards  throughout  the 
strike  and  still  hold  them. 

The  painters  todav  number  .r;>o  names  on  the  roll  of  membership.  The 
organization  pavs  $5  a  week  to  the  sick  and  from  $10(1  to  $."»(»()  as  a  death  or 
disability  benefit.  Or  the  death  of  a  member's  wife,  the  union  also  pays  the 
bereaved  husband  $?7>,  and  it  offers  the  men  who  follow  the  trade  one  of  the 
best   insurance   investments   that   it   is   possible  to  obtain. 

['lit  these  features  are  onlv  incidental  to  the  advantages  enjoyed  by  the 
man  that  carries  a  card  of  membership  in  Xo.  257.  The  struggle  already 
mentioned   gave  them   the   44-hour   week,   and    from   an   average   wage   of  $2   a 


46  Central  Labor  Union  History 


day  in  1893  the  scale  has  been  increased  to  $3.28  a  day.  The  Painters'  Union 
lias  thus  conclusively  proved  its  right  to  existensce  by  not  only  enabling  the 
men  within  its  ranks  to  obtain  better  working  conditions,  but  also  by  bestowing 
the  same  conditions  on  the  non-union  man,  who.  always  with  his  organized 
brother,  is  never  loath  to  accept  something  he  has  never  suffered  to  obtain. 
Not  content  with  bettering  conditions  locally,  No.  257  organized  in  1898 
the  Connecticut  Valley  Conference,  which  consists  of  several  labor  unions 
in  the  Connecticut  valley,  who  meet  monthly  in  various  cities  in  the  interest 
of  their  craft.  The  local  also  played  an  important  part  in  the  recent  organiza- 
tion of  the  Massachusetts  State  Conference,  that  will  eventually  include  every 
member  in  the  brotherhood  in  the  State.     The  present  officers  are : 

President — F.  E.  Lonergan. 

Vice-President — F.  A.  Woodward. 

Recording  Secretary — J.  Paul  Rigelow. 

Financial  Secretary — P.  H.  Triggs. 

Business  Agent — P.  H.  Triggs. 

Treasurer — G.  A.  Payne. 

'Warden — Thomas  Maguire. 

Conductor — Charles  Thornton. 

Trustees — M.  F.  Skehan,  H.  K.  Wood,  Stephen  Smith. 


Bricklayers-Pioneers  of  8-Hour  Day 


History  relates  that  it  took  seven  years  and  80,000  men  to  build  the  temple 
of  Solomon,  and  this  is,  perhaps,  the  first  contract  of  any  magnitude  of  which 
any  record  exists.  Certain  it  is  that  few  contractors  have  even  the  oppor- 
tunity of  employing  an  army  of  men:  modern  conditions  and  machinery  render 
it  unnecessary  in  the  first  place,  and  in  the  second,  it  would  be  impossible  to 
assemble  them.  In  olden  time  the  mason  was  a  welcome  addition  to  any  city, 
and  even  in  troublous  times,  when  it  was  incumbent  on  all  travelers  to  show 
a  passport  when  entering  a  city,  the  mason  was  exempt.  They  left  behind 
them  monuments  to  their  skill  which  are  preserved  to  this  day. 

Bricklayers  and  Plasterers'  Union,  No.  1,  came  into  existence  shortly  after 
the  international  convention  held  at  Baltimore,  Maryland,  in  January,  lSGfi, 
the  charter  being  issued  on  January  24  of  that  year.  The  first  president  of  the 
local  is  said  to  have  been  one  Louis  Xevers.  Three  dollars  and  a  quarter  at 
that  time  constituted  a  day's  pay  for  ten  hours'  work,  and  during  the  four 
years'  life  of  this  body  the  wages  were  raised  to  $4.25  for  the  same  length  of 
working  day.  In  the  summer  of  1879  the  union  disbanded,  and  reorganization 
did  not  take  place  for  fifteen  years,  the  new  body  organizing  on  April  30,  1885. 

The  only  heritage  left  by  the  old  body  was  the  seal  and  the  title  of  Xo.  1. 
Massachusetts.  It  is  said  that  one  of  the  old  bricklayers,  who  was  a  member 
of  the  old  union,  was  known  to  have  the  seal  in  his  possession,  but  refused  to 
deliver  it  to  the  new  body  upon  its  reorganization.  One  evening  this  old 
bricklayer  left  his  home  and  was  seen  upon  the  street  by  some  of  the  members 
of  the  new  union,  who,  paying  a  visit  to  his  home,  were  able  to  secure  the  seal 
from  his  daughter.  The  old  gentleman  made  considerable  controversy  over 
the  matter,  but  to  no  avail. 

During  this  fifteen  years  wages  deteriorated,  and  at  the  international  con- 
vention held  a  year  later  the  question  of  a  shorter  working  day  was  placed 
before  the  delegates.  Locally,  only  $3.50  was  being  received  for  ten  hours' 
work.  The  international  convention  held  in  January.  1SS0,  voted  that,  begin- 
ning May  1  of  that  year,  all  unions  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  must 
establish  the  nine-hour  day.  The  nine-hour  day  accordingly  went  into  effect 
without  any  reduction  in  wages.  Advances  came  regularly,  for  one  year  later 
25  cents  bad  been  added  to  the  daily  remuneration,  and  on  May  1,  18SS.  a 
further  raise  of  25  cents  was  secured,  after  considerable  controversy  with  the 
contractors. 

The  bricklayers  and  masons  were  probably  the  first  body  of  men  in  this 
city  to  attempt  to  obtain  the  eight-hour  day,  for  it  is  on  record  that  just 
twenty  years  ago  the  contractors  were  notified  bv  the  local  that  they  had 
voted  that  eight  hours  should  constitute  a  day's  work,  with  no  reduction  in 
wages.  The  matter  had  been  discussed  at  three  meetings  and  the  demand  was 
that  it  should  go  into  effect  on  the  1st  of  April.  1803.  One  month  prior  to 
this  date,  however,  tlu  contractors  sent  a  communication  to  the  union,  refusing 
the  demand  with  emphasis,  and  intimating  that  the  decision  was  final.  At  the 
appointed  time  the  strike  was  duly  declared.  Had  tins  difficulty  been  handled 
through  committees,  as  is  the  invariable  rule  today,  it  is  considered  very 
probable  that  the  eight  hour  dav  would  have  been  an  accomplished  fact  without 
anv  strike.     On  the  third  dav  of  the  strike  efforts  were  made  to  get  the  dis- 


4S  Central  Labor  Union  History 


putants  together.  Mayor  Kendrick  visited  the  officials  of  the  local  and  informed 
them  that  the  state  hoard  of  arbitration  was  in  the  city,  and  asked  for  a 
committee  to  meet  them.  Several  days  were  spent  in  fruitless  controversy, 
and  the  state  board  returned  home  without  having  accomplished  anything.  An 
attempt  was  then  made  by  the  contractors  to  induce  the  union  to  go  back  to 
the  old  workday,  but  the  union  refused.  The  strike  dragged  on  for  another 
two  months,  when  the  men  voted  to  declare  the  strike  off.  Thus  ended  the 
first  attempt  of  any  union  in  Springfield  to  establish  the  eight-hour  day. 

Early  in  1S98  an  agitation  was  begun  looking  toward  the  regulation  of 
sub-letting  contracts.  The  carpenters  at  that  time  would  let  the  work  on  a 
house  to  four  different  sub-contractors,  the  cellar  to  one,  the  chimneys  to 
another,  the  plastering  to  a  third,  and  the  cementing  to  a  fourth.  The  con- 
tractors were  powerless  in  the  matter  and  appealed  to  the  local  for  a  remedy. 
The  union  took  the  matter  up  and  agreed  that  no  member  should  work  for  any 
contractor  unless  he  took  the  entire  mason  work  on  each  job.  This  plan  was 
effective  and  the  evil  was  abolished  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  except  a  few 
of  the  contractors. 

The  outbreak  of  the  Spanish-American  war  drew  many  members  of  the 
craft  to  the  front,  and  the  union  patriotically  recognized  their  national  obliga- 
tion by  exempting  all  members  serving  with  the  army  or  navy  from  dues  and, 
in  case  of  loss  of  life,  agreed  to  pay  the  death  benefits. 

Another  attempt  to  establish  the  eight-hour  day  was  made  toward  the  end 
of  1S9S,  and,  singularly  enough,  it  emanated  from  those  who  fought  the  battle 
against  it  six  years  previous.  A  communication  was  received  by  the  local 
from  the  master  masons,  offering  45  cents  an  hour  for  an  eight-hour  day.  pro- 
viding that  the  local  would  agree  to  work  for  none  but  members  of  their 
exchange.  The  request  was  promptly  refused.  Progress  and  the  eight-hour 
day  are  synonymous  terms,  though,  and  it  was  but  a  question  of  time  when 
they  would  be  in  agreement.  On  January  25,  1900,  a  conference  committee, 
consisting  of  John  B.  Logan.  D.  M.  Walsh  and  Richard  A.  Hennessey,  was 
appointed  to  submit  a  proposition  of  45  cents  an  hour  for  eight  hours  to  the 
contractors.  The  negotiations  were  successful,  and  the  new  scale  went  into 
effect  on  March  1.  Two  years  later  a  further  increase  was  successfully  negoti- 
ated and  the  wages  were  raised  five  cents  an  hour.  Finally,  in  July,  1910, 
the  pinnacle  of  success  was  reached  by  the  local,  when  a  44-hour  week  went 
into  effect  at  GO  cents  an  hour. 

The  local  has  always  been  active  in  international  affairs  and  has  been 
represented  at  twenty  international  conventions  by  thirty-seven  delegates. 
This  has  meant  an  outlay  of  nearlv  $5,000  to  the  union,  but  has  been  con- 
sidered money  well  spent,  as  it  has  enabled  it  to  keep  in  close  touch  with 
international  law.  Since  reorganization  twenty-seven  years  ago.  the  local  has 
lo-t  bv  death  fifty- five  of  its  members,  and  has  paid  over  to  their  heirs  about 
S>.000.  In  the  same  length  of  time  the  body  has  held  1.375  meetings,  and  the 
records  show  that  it  has  vet  to  meet  without  having  a  quorum.  It  has  been 
affiliated  with  the  Central  Labor  Union  since  1S93,  and  has  ever  been  repre- 
sented by  men  of  sound  views  and  fine  ability  in  debate. 

In  these  davs  of  citizens'  alliances.  tvpotheta?s  and  such  organizations  who 
denv  the  right  of  workmen  to  collectively  bargain  for  wages,  the  strength  and 
consistency  of  this  body  stands  out  as  a  model  of  what  can  be  accomplished 
bv  determined  men.      Summarized,  it  has  reduced  the  working  week  bv  sixteen 


Central  Labor  Union  History  49 

hours  and  almost  doubled  the  daily  wage,  and  the  heritage  of  the  seal  and  title 
of  old  Xo.  1  has  been  worthily  used.  The  body  stands  second  to  none  on  the 
continent  and  it  is  a  local  of  which  any  international  body  should  be  proud. 

Appended  is  a  list  of  the  twenty-two  presidents  who  have  served  the  local 
in  the  years  since  the  grant  of  the  new  charter: 

Thomas  Morrissey  Charles  Peterson 

William  Flynn  Henry  L.  Thomas 

Daniel  C.  Shea  Daniel  Haggerty 

Michael  Maloney  Patrick  Dineen 

Frederick  Blodgett  D.  M.  Walsh 

Thomas  Kelly  T.  J.  Sullivan 

John  V.   Parker  D.  J.  Haggerty 

"< ieorge  H.  Blodgett  John  J.  Walsh 

T.  A!  Shea  W.  C.  Williston 

Richard  A.  Hennessey  John  J.  Haggerty 

Otis  Woodman  Daniel  H.  Dowd 


Printing   and   Progress 


RIXTIXG  and  progress  have  not  always  been  analagous,  and  the 

local  union  has  had  its  many  vicissitudes,  but  hope  has  ever  pre- 
vailed, and  through  the  storms  and  stress  of  strike  and  lockout 
the  members  of  Typographical  Union  Xo.  210  are  to  be  congratu- 
lated on  attaining  what  is,  perhaps,  the  happiest  period  of  their 
history.  From  small  beginnings — -■!•■!  printers  responded  to  the  first  call  for  a 
meeting  for  the  purpose  of  organization — the  local  has  attained  the  high  tide 

of  prosperity,  numerically  speaking,  of 
its  history.  True,  it  has  had  happier 
financial  times,  the  treasury  at  one 
period  of  its  history  exceeding  the 
thousand-dollar  mark,  but  the  move- 
ment for  an  eight-hour  work-day 
throughout  the  trade,  calling  for  an 
almost  universal  strike,  quickly  de- 
pleted the  treasury,  and  the  Interna- 
tional body  was  compelled  to  render 
assistance,  and  several  thousand  dol- 
lars came  into  the  city  from  that 
source.  The  result  of  the  struggle  is 
known  to  all,  and  is  merely  mentioned 
to  show  that,  financially  speaking.  Xo. 
21G  might  be  in  better  condition  locally 
were  it  not  for  that  titanic  struggle. 
The  lesson  was  a  severe  one  to  both 
sides,  and  it  is  safe  to  assert — or  at 
least  to  hope — that  the  day  of  strikes  is 
over,  so  far  as  this  department  of  in- 
dustry is  concerned.  [Millions  of  dol- 
lars were  expended  by  both  sides,  and 
''strike''  is  now  uttered  with  bated 
breath  wherever  printers  now  do  con- 
gregate. Honor  to  the  men  who 
fought  the  battle,  and  equal  honor  to 
the  men  who,  having  a  comfortable 
situation,  and  with  the  cause  of  the  strike  behind  them,  nobly  came  to  the 
assistance  of  the  International  body  and  loyally  met  the  demands  of  heavy 
assessments.  Many  hundreds  of  dollars  came  out  of  individual  pockets,  the 
first  demand  being  for  a  10  per  cent  assessment  on  all  individual  earnings. 
This  was  gradually  reduced  as  one  after  another  district  was  settled  and  peace 
prevailed.  Many  were  the  good  offices  lost — let  us  hope  but  temporarily — to 
unionism,  and  many  a  good  printer's  life  ruined  by  the  struggle,  but  who  shall 
say  that  it  was  not  worth  all  the  effort  expended? 

To  revert  hack  to  the  early  days  of  the  historv  of  the  local.  As  has  been 
said.  Ij.j  printers  responded  to  a  call  for  a  meeting  on  November  IT,  1  >>.">.  This 
was  not,  however,  the  first  Printers'  local  connected  with  printerdom  in  this 
city.  Back  in  18i>!>,  on  January  25  of  that  year,  to  be  exact,  the  first  attempt 
to  organize  the  trade  was  made     The  National  body — it  is  now  International — 


CHARLES     B.     PORTER 

Five     Times     President     of     Typographical 

Union,      No.      216,      and      for      Many 

Years     Financial     Secretary    of 

the  Central   Labor  Union. 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


51 


sent  an  organizer,  and  the  first  meeting  of  any  attempt  to  organize  compositors 
in  Springfield,  Mass.,  was  held  in  Concordia  hall,  Foot's  block,  at  the  corner 
of  Main  and  State  streets,  on  the  date  mentioned.  This  building  is  but  a 
memory  now.  having  been  demolished  to  make  way  for  tbe  fine  new  building  of 
the  Massachusetts  Mutual  Insurance  Company.  The  Union  was  numbered  120. 
Being  before  tbe  era  of  the  Sunday  paper  in  this  district.  Saturday  evenings 
were  free  to  the  "comp."of  both  night  and  day  sides,  and  the  meetings  were 
accordingly  held  on  the  first  Saturday  of  every  month.  Tbe  12th  semi-annual 
circular,  dated  July,  1874,  records  that  during  tbe  six  months  previous,  one 
member  bad  died.  11  bad  been  admitted  by  traveling  card,  three  new  members 
bad  been  gathered  into  the  fold,  while  15  had  withdrawn  by  card — that  is.  had 
taken  out  traveling  cards,  business  being  recorded  as  only  fair  and  help  far  in 
excess  of  the  demand.  The  records  of  those  early  days  are  merely  a  matter 
of  memory  now.  no  trace  having  been  found  of  them,  and  the  only  documentary 
evidence  known  to  be  in  existence  is  the  aforementioned  semi-annual  report. 
It  is  a  most  interesting  card,  however,  and  came  into  the  hands  of  the  present 
secretary  in  a  curious  manner.  One  Jay  S.  Bliss,  two  years  ago  in  business 
in  Brooklyn  for  himself,  now  gone  to  bis  reward,  blew  into  tbe  Republican 
office  one  night,  and.  introducing  himself,  said  he  was  here  to  attend  a  meeting 
of  his  lodge.  He  produced  the  report  in  question  and  asked  whether  it  would 
be  of  anv  use  in  the  compilation  of  any  history,  lie  was  assured  it  would,  and 
thanked  for  the  loan  of  it.  Before,  however,  use  could  be  made  of  it,  Mr.  Bliss 
died  in  Xew  York,  and  the  precious  card  still  remains  on  file  with  Xo.  21  <">. 

Tbe  following  list  of  officers  and  members  will  be  of  interest  to  old-time 
printers,  and  many  memories  may  be  awakened  by  a  perusal  of  the  names. 
President,  David  llanna;  vice-president,  Kdward  S.  Russell;  secretary  and 
treasurer,    Joseph  G.  Allbe ;  sergeant-at-arms,  Frank  T.   Parsons. 

Fortv-nine  members  were  on  tbe  rolls  at  this  time,  and  their  names  are 
as    follows: 


Allbe,  Fdward  P. 
Allbc  HarUin  I*. 
Allbe,  Joseph  ('.. 
Buckley,  John  B. 
Burke,  James  II. 
Ballard.  Frederh  k  L. 
Bliss.  Jay  S. 

Bunberry,  Bar;  holoniew 
Brown,   Fred  C. 
Barker.  Joseph  ('. 
Campbell.  John   M. 
Crowley,  1'atri   k  F. 
Dolan  Thomas 
Davis,  Charles  C. 
Doherty,  M.  J. 
Grandv,  Hiram  !'. 


Hitchcock,  Elias  R. 
Holt,  Charles  W. 

llanna,  David 
1  larmon,  <  ieore,e  W. 
Ilo.uan.  John  J. 
Me-tcalf,  William 
McDonald.  John 
Murrihey,  Austin 
McKelvey,  Joseph 
McKerma,  1'.. 
Mellaril,  ]•;.  J. 
Mayher,  11.  C. 
Montgomery,  Ralph  R. 
Noble,  William  T. 
(  I'llara,  John  C. 
Perry,  Fred   K. 
Watts,  Samuel 


Parsons,   Prank   T. 
Russell,   G.  V.   X. 
Russell,    Kdwatd   S. 
Roberts,  Louis  A. 
Ruyy,,  John  B. 
Reese,  Thomas 
Stebbins,  Louis  F. 
Story,  B.  F. 
Sax ton.  K.  11. 
Taylor,  Henry  D. 
Vincent .  Frank  X. 
Vincent.  John  T. 
Whittlesey.  La  P. 
Weaver.  Nelson  T. 
Williard,  Charles  F. 
Wilkins,  Kzra 


Xo.  12<)  bad  tbe  friendship  of  two  men  whose  names  do  not  appear  on  its 
membership  roll-.  George  ]>.  Stebbins  of  the  Republican  and  Curtis  Ik  Wells, 
who  contributed  considerable  money  t.>  help  the  local  along. 

The  new  members  admitted  at  this  time  were  I.  I'eaman,  John  T.  Fitz- 
gibbons  and   G.    F.   Glynn;   those   coming   into  the    jurisdiction    with   traveling 


52  Central   Labor  Union  History 

cards  were  II.  \V.  Bridge,  Hugh  Craig,  David  Gilbert,  Charles  E.  Jillson, 
Joseph  McLaughlin,  B.  McKenna,  William  Malloy,  Walter  MacDonald,  James 
C.  Reid,  James  Roche  and  W.  Del..  Winsor.  Seven  of  the  latter  did  not 
find  conditions  exactly  to  their  liking  and  made  their  stay  very  brief,  and   it 

is  also  recorded  that  one  Daniel  Hayden  Phillips  also  went  on  tour  at  this 
time.  Daniel  is  hack  with  us  now  and  has  put  in  many  honorable  years  in 
the  service  of  Xo.  21(5,  being  at  the  present  time  a  pensioner  on  the  rolls  of  the 
International  body,  a  state  of  being  richly  merited  and  honorably  won.  "Dan" 
is  still  a  fairly  active  member  of  the  Printers'  union  and  is  always  ready  with 
advice  and  what  assistance  he  can  render  to  the  youngsters  of  the  organization. 

The  founders  of  the  organization  adopted  as  a  motto,  "Psto  Perpetua," 
hut  this  optimistic  desire  for  perpetuity  was  destined  not  to  be  realized.  A 
financial  panic  brought  about  conditions  which  dampened  the  ardor  of  the 
members,  and  when  business  began  to  revive,  although  ''business  was  fair,  the 
supply  was  far  in  excess  of  the  demand."  So  the  old  union  surrendered  its 
charter  and  became  a  back  number.  Out  of  its  ashes  rose  the  present 
organization. 

Interest,  however,  flagged  for  a  time,  but  a  new  movement  of  revivification 
culminated  in  a  meeting  of  those  interested,  principallv  members  of  the 
Republican  staff,  on  November  17,  1885.  This  meeting  resulted  in  the  forma- 
tion of  the  present  Xo.  210.  The  following  is  a  transcript  of  the  minutes 
of  the  first  meeting: 

Thirty-three  printers  responded  to  a  call  for  a  meeting  in  Knights  of  I  abor 
hall  on  the  afternoon  of  Tuesday,  November  17,  188."!,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing 
a   local   typographical   union   for   the  city  of  Springfield. 

The  meeting  'was  called  to  order  about  4  o'clock  by  John  Douglas  of  Boston, 
state  deputy  organizer  for  the  International  Typographical  Union,  who  briefly  and 
plainly  stated  the  objects  of  the  organization  which  he  desired  to  form  in  Springfield. 

George  Judd  was  chosen  secretary  of  the  preliminary  meeting. 

The  application  for  a  charter  was  signed  by  the  following  printers: 

J.  Colby  Adams,  Daniel  O.  Regan,  Charles  A.  Leach,  Daniel  M.  Kirk,  Frederick 
A.  Veet,  John  I'.  Sullivan,  George  \\".  Harmon,  Louis  Schlesinger,  John  H.  Cadigan, 
George  L.  Dickinson,  John  Gamble,  Harvey  A.  l-'riese,  P.  F.  Crowley,  Mortimer  P. 
McMahon,  David  O'Connell,  James  J.  Biggins,  Walter  H.  Barnard.  P.  T.  Meehan, 
TO.  J.  Gardiner,  C.  W.  Brace,  P.  J.  Jennings,  James  10.  Corcoran,  Carl  Withe.  Robert 
Scott,  John  W.  Parker,  I.  L.  Gaboury,  W.  R.  Tiffany,  M.  1'.  Cavanaugh,  Eugene  F. 
Keefe. 

Mr.  Douglas  administered  the  obligations. 

The  following  were  elected  officers  to  serve  until  the  first  annual  election,  to  be 
held  on  the  second  Sunday  in  December: 

President,  J.  Colby  Adams;  vice-president,  Daniel  O.  Began;  recording  secre- 
tary, Charles  A.  Leach;  treasurer,  Frederick  A.  Veet :  sergeant-at-arms,  John  1'. 
Sullivan;   trustees,  George   W.    Harmon,   Louis  Schlesinger,   James   11.   Cadigan. 

Appointed  to  draft  constitution,  David  O'Connell,   1.   L.  Gaboury,   P.  J.  Jennings. 

Decided   to  apply  for  a  new    charter  instead   of  a  return  of  the  old   one. 

Quite  a  number  of  the  old  organization  quickly  enrolled  themselves  under 
the  new  banner,  among  them  being  Charles  E.  Willard  and  P.  F.  Crowley,  and 
it  is  a  matter  of  record  that  the  whole  of  the  names  on  the  charter  issued  to 
Xo.  21G  were  members  of  the  Republican  office,  either  in  the  newspaper  room 
or  the  job  plant,  which  was  then  a  large  factor  of  the  Samuel  Bowles  regime. 
The  following  are  their  names:  Victor  D.  I.oomis,  Louis  A.  Roberts,  L.  Chase, 
J.  II.  Van  Kueren,  J.  G.  Alike.  C.  P..  Ken  von.  K.  Atherton,  James  OTIara, 
Dennis  (.  Callinan.  1.  G.  Allbe  is  still  living  and  holding  down  a  situation  in 
these  strenuous  days  of  the  newspaper  world  and  doing  as  good  a  man's  work 
as  ever.  Victor  D.  Loom  is  is  living  in  Minnesota  and  Dennis  J.  Callinan  is  a 
resident  of  Hartford.  Conn. 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


53 


The  first  meeting  after  receipt  of  the  charter  was  held  in  the  December 
following,  and,  there  being  no  funds  at  the  disposal  of  the  body,  the  first  treas- 
urer, Frederick  A.  Veet  (still  in  harness  and  working  in  the  Republican  office), 
advanced  the  necessary  money  for  payment  of  the  charter  and  also  the  necessary 
supplies  and  books,  being  reimbursed  by  the  local   in  happier  financial  times. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  officers  chosen  at  the  regular  meeting  in  Decem- 
ber to  serve  for  the  first  year:  President,  J.  Colby  Adams;  vice-president.  P.  F. 
Crowley;  recording  secretary,  Charles  A.  Leach;  financial  secretary,  Daniel 
M.  Kirk;  treasurer,  Frederick  A.  Veet ;  sergeant-at-arms.  John  P.  Sullivan; 
trustees.  James  11.  Cadigan,  George  W.  Harmon,  F.  L  Ballard. 

Of  the  charter  members,  quite  a  number  still  work  at  the  trade  in  this 
city,  some  have  gone  to  other  fields 
of  labor,  and  a  few  have  passed  into 
the  Great  Beyond.  There  is  a  goodly 
array  of  the  great  substantial  citizen- 
ship upon  which  the  foundations  of 
the  republic  rest  securely.  Honors 
have  come  to  some  of  them  in  their 
chosen  profession  and  in  other  activi- 
ties of  life.  In  the  Typographical 
Journal  for  May,  1S85,  is  chronicled 
the  presentation  of  a  pocketbook  and 
a  sum  of  money,  together  witli  the 
good  wishes  of  the  Boston  Herald 
chapel,  to  the  retiring  superintendent, 
J.  Colby  Adams,  the  first  president  of 
Xo.  21(5.  Of  other  charter  members, 
Carl  Withe  occupies  the  responsible 
position  of  superintendent  of  the 
Union's  composing  room,  and  .Maurice 
1'.  Cavanaugh  was  honored  by  his 
fellow-citizens  with  election  to  the 
Springfield  City  Council,  serving  with 
credit  as  president  of  that  body. 

Since  that  day,  twenty-five  years 
ago,  when  the  union  was  formed,  Xo. 
21(5  has  been  assiduous  in  carrying  out 
the  objects  for  which  it  was  organized 
— the    promotion     of    the     moral     and 

material  welfare  oi  its  members.  Aside  from  a  tangible  gain  in  working 
conditions,  the  raising  of  wages  and  shortening  of  hours,  the  union  has  quietly 
and  unobtrusively  performed  a  considerable  work  in  looking  after  its  members 
sick  and  in  distress,  and  has  to  a  degree  little  realized  bv  the  casual  observer 
assumed  many  of  the  functions  naturallv  associated  with  the  purely  fraternal 
organizations.  Cp  to  April  1  of  this  vear.  the  local  maintained  a  death  benefit 
of  $75,  which  equalled  the  amount  paid  to  the  members  of  the  familv  oi  a 
deceased  member  by  the  International  bodv.  With  the  advent  of  a  new  inter- 
national insurance  scheme,  graduated  according  to  length  of  membership,  the 
local  fund  went  out  of  existence  as  a  burial  benefit,  and  the  bank  balance  was 
used  to  create  a  sinking   fund   for  defense  and  other  purposes.      *  fiber  benefits 


JAMES     F.     WRIGHT 

Recording   Secretary   of   No.  216  for   Seven 
Successive    Years. 


54  Central  Laror  Union*  History 


accruing-  to  members  are  the  Union  Printers'  Home  at  Colorado  Springs,  and 
the  weekly  pension  to  our  disabled  and  superannuated  members.  The  death 
benefit  has  now  been  raised  to  $400  for  members  in  good  standing  and  the 
weekly  pension  has  been  raised  to  $5.00;  but  the  funds  of  the  latter  benefit  are 
accumulating  so  rapidly  that  another  increase  is  probable  in  the  near  future, 
and  it  would  not  be  surprising  to  find  a  dollar  a  day  pension  for  our  eligible 
members  coming  along  soon. 

It  may  be  of  interest  to  the  uninitiated  to  learn  how  these  funds  are  created 
and  maintained.  The  membership  of  the  International  union  now  exceeds 
60,000,  and  each  and  every  member  of  the  organization  pays  into  the  treasury 
one-half  of  one  per  cent  to  the  mortuary  fund  and  a  similar  amount  to  the 
old-age  pension  fund.  As  has  been  said,  the  funds  accumulated  so  rapidlv  that 
the  executives  were  compelled  to  take  some  action  to  reduce  the  accumulation, 
and  the  increase  of  one  dollar  to  the  pensioner  every  week  was  the  result. 
Even  with  this  increase — there  were  763  pensioners  on  the  rolls  at  the  end  of 
February,  1912 — there  stood  to  the  credit  of  the  fund  at  that  date  nearly  half 
a  million  dollars,  to  be  exact,  $478,850;  the  expenditure  for  the  month  being 
$16,672.  A  little  calculation  will  show  that  even  if  the  fund  were  to  receive 
no  further  accretions,  the  bank  balance  at  the  present  rate  of  disbursement 
would  last  a  couple  of  years.  It  may  be  stated  that  if  a  pensioner  finds  him- 
self able  to  work  and  earn  money  the  pension  automatically  stops  for  the  period 
that  he  so  works,  and  commences  again  at  the  discretion  of  the  local  secretary. 
A  wise  provision,  for  it  tends  to  make  the  man  and  woman  feel  that  their  day  of 
usefulness  is  not  past  and  the  careful  work  of  the  purveyors  of  the  fund  has  a 
stimulating  effect  in  consequence.  We  have  had  one  member  as  an  inmate  of 
the  Union  Printers'  Home,  George  H.  Surprise,  although  his  admission  is 
credited  to  Las  Vegas  Union,  where  he  had  gone  on  account  of  failing  health. 
His  disease  had  made  too  great  progress,  however,  and  he  returned  home  to 
die.  The  visitation  of  the  sick  and  the  timely  donation  to  the  afflicted  are  not 
unknown  among  us. 

In  1885  all  work  was  done  by  hand.  With  the  introduction  of  machinery 
in  1893,  the  printers  of  Springfield  faced  what  then  appeared  to  be  the  gravest 
crisis  in  their  history,  but  by  wise  counsels  and  a  sensible  disposition  to  make 
the  best  of  the  new  conditions  rather  than  waste  our  strength  by  fruitless 
opposition  to  the  inevitable,  the  apparent  catastrophe  has  been  turned  into  a 
means  of  abounding  prosperity  to  the  International  Typographical  Union  and 
its  component  organizations.  Incidental  to  the  higher  scale  of  wages  and 
shorter  hours  propaganda,  an  active  campaign  has  been  carried  on  with  the 
union  label  as  a  center  of  interest. 

Xo.  216  has  taken  a  prominent  part  in  the  organized  labor  movement.  In 
the  formation  of  the  Springfield  Federation  of  Labor,  now  the  Central  Labor 
Lnion.  in  1887.  the  officers  and  members  of  the  Typographical  union  did  their 
share  of  the  work,  the  strong  Central  body  of  today  attesting  how  well  the 
foundations  were  laid.  Tn  the  matter  of  financial  assistance,  likewise,  either 
to  local  or  outside  organizations  requiring  such  aid,  Xo.  216  has  given  liberally 
according  to  its  resources.  An  examination  of  the  records  discloses  a  really 
surprising  number  of  appeals  for  help  answered  by  donations  from  this  body. 

As  is  the  case  with  almost  every  organization.  Xo.  216  has  had  its  seasons 
of  discouragement  as  well  as  prosperitv.  At  times  in  bygone  years,  apparent 
progress  has  been  so  slow  that  many  of  the  members  have  wondered  if  it  were 


Central  Laisor  Union   History  55 


worth  while  to  attempt  to  continue  the  organization.  There  have  always  been 
found  faithful  workers  enough,  however,  to  keep  up  the  struggle  until  tangible 
results  commenced  to  appear  once  more,  and  in  view  of  the  great  results 
achieved  in  the  past  twenty-five  years,  and  the  prosperity  of  the  union  today, 
these  men  feel  abundantly  repaid  for  their  labors. 

The  history  of  No.  210  has  been  remarkably  free  from  strikes  or  serious 
disturbances.  A  policy  of  discussion  and  conciliation,  rather  than  an  appeal 
to  force,  has  prevailed,  and  the  gains  in  working  conditions  have  been  achieved 
by  peaceful  methods.  A  notable  exception  was  the  great  country-wide  move- 
ment for  an  eight-hour  day,  commencing  in  1905.  in  which  Xo.  210,  as  a  part 
of  the  great  army  of  the  International  Typographical  Union,  participated. 
The  details  of  that  titanic  struggle  are  too  recent  to  need  recapitulation  here. 
Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  eight-hour  day  is  now  an  accomplished  fact  in  the 
printing  industry  of  the  United  States,  and  that  the  dream  of  years  of  placing 
the  International  Typographical  Union  on  an  equality  with  other  progressive 
unions  is  now  a  reality.  While  many  of  our  members  worked  manfully  during 
those  strenuous  days,  particular  credit  should  be  given  to  \V.  D.  B.  Mitchell 
for  his  indefatigable  and  intelligent  direction  of  affairs. 

The  union  gave  a  practical  demonstration  of  its  methods  during  negotiations 
for  a  revision  of  the  newspaper  scale  last  fall,  in  which  both  sides  met  and 
discussed  conditions,  secure  in  the  knowledge  that,  by  virtue  of  the  contract 
between  the  American  Newspaper  Publishers'  Association  and  the  International 
Typographical  Union,  there  was  no  possibility  of  a  strike,  no  matter  how 
serious  the  apparent  disagreement.  The  International  Tvpographical  Union, 
by  its  action  in  Chicago  last  year,  also  conclusively  demonstrated  that  this, 
agreement  is  no  mere  form  of  words,  but  a  very  practical  protection  to  the 
emplover  of  union  labor.  The  difficulty  was  purely  a  one-office  one  and  the 
men  struck  work.  The  publishers  appealed  to  President  Lynch  by  wire,  and 
in  a  few  minutes  came  the  order  to  other  offices  in  the  vicinity  to  set  all  type 
required  by  the  "struck"  plant,  and  the  local  organization,  bowing  to  the 
inevitable,  ordered  the  men  back  to  work  and  appointed  a  committee  to  adjust 
the  grievance. 

Springfield  has  on  numerous  occasions  been  represented  at  the  sessions  of 
the  International  Typographical  Union,  and  on  other  occasions  has  sent  no 
delegate.  Perhaps  the  most  exciting  time  in  the  history  of  election  of  delegates 
from  the  local  union  occurred  in  connection  with  the  session  of  1S90  in  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  when  each  of  two  candidates  received  an  equal  number  of  votes.  The 
decision  to  send  two  delegates,  the  return  of  their  credentials,  the  unsuccessful 
attempt  to  get  them  back  again,  their  departure  for  Atlanta  without  them,  their 
being  seated  in  the  Internaional  Typographical  Union,  the  red-hot  contest 
which  ensued  over  the  proposition  to  appropriate  the  money  for  their  expenses, 
and  the  peace  which  finally  prevailed,  art.'  a  well-remembered  bit  of  local  history 
among  the  members  of  the  union  of  that  day. 

Springfield  union  lias  taken  an  active  part  in  the  councils  of  the  Xew  Eng- 
land bodv  since  its  formation  in  Boston  in  1S92.  The  first  president  of  the 
old  Xew  England  Tvpographical  Union  was  a  member  of  Xo.  210 — Samuel  H. 
Dvcr.  Another  delegate  from  Springfield.  George  11.  Surprise,  was  one  of 
the  vice-presidents.      Both  these  gentlemen  are  deceased. 

March  7.  1SSS,  will  ever  be  remembered  in  printers'  annals,  for  on  that 
date   occurred   the   disastrous   tire    in   the   office   of   the    Union,   in    which   eight 


50  Central  Labor  Union    History 


lives  were  lost.  Three  of  these  victims,  Walter  Hovey,  Zephirin  Lauzon  and 
Thomas  Donahue,  were  members  of  the  union.  Lauzon  and  Hovey  came  from 
out  of  town,  and  their  relatives  were  found  and  notified  through  the  strenuous 
exertions  of  the  officers  of  No.  216.  The  following  week  the  great  blizzard  of 
March  12  occurred,  and  to  the  tremendous  exertions  of  some  of  the  Springfield 
men  was  due  more  than  one  serious  case  of  illness,  the  death  of  one  member 
who  accompanied  the  body  of  Hovey  to  his  home  being  directly  traceable  to 
the  exposure  and  hardships  encountered  on  that  trip.  But  the  union  nobly 
demonstrated  that  in  times  of  emergency  it  is  always  ready  to  step  into  the 
breach  and  look  out  for  the  interests  of  its  unfortunate  members. 

The  limitations  of  space  preclude  all  but  the  briefest  possible  mention  of 
the  events  of  the  past  twenty-five  years.  It  is  fitting  at  this  time,  however, 
that  we  pay  a  short  tribute  to  two  of  our  friends,'  now  deceased,  who  in  their 
lifetime  were  loyal  supporters  of  the  union. 

Curtis  B.  Wells,  an  old-time  master  printer,  gave  practical  proof  of  his 
sympathy  by  sending  a  check  for  the  relief  fund  of  No.  216  immediately  upon 
hearing  of  the  fire  in  the  office  of  the  Union  referred  to  above.  He  had  at 
other  times  given  testimony  of  his  friendliness  for  the  organization,  and  at  his 
funeral  official  representation  from  No.  216  paid  a  silent  tribute  to  his  memory. 

Charles  J.  Bellamy,  who  died  December  12,  1910,  had  for  years,  in  the  office 
of  the  Daily  Nezvs,  and  later  in  his  book  and  job  plant,  conducted  a  union  shop, 
and  was  always  recognized  as  a  friend  upon  whom  we  could  rely. 

In  1885  Springfield  had  a  population  of  37,000.  Today  we  are  rapidly 
approaching  the  100,000  mark,  and  are  on  the  threshold  of  an  expansion  and 
development  which  shall  emphasize  more  than  ever  the  claims  of  the  city  to 
be  the  metropolis  of  Western  New  England.  In  those  days  the  standard  size 
of  the  daily  newspapers  was  from  four  to  eight  small  pages,  and  twelve  pages 
constituted  an  event.  Today  eighteen,  twenty,  twenty-four  pages  is  nothing 
unusual. 

The  Republican,  the  patriarch  of  Springfield  journalism,  was  at  that  time 
housed  in  a  building  next  to  the  Five  Cents  Savings  Bank.  Occupied  in  1S7S, 
in  ten  years  the  demands  of  business  necessitated  larger  quarters  and  the  old 
First  Baptist  church  property  at  the  corner  of  Main  street  and  Harrison  avenue 
was  acquired  in  1888  and  a  three-story  building  erected.  In  1910  the  imperative 
necessities  of  continued  prosperity  compelled  a  rise  heavenward,  and  two  more 
stories  were  added,  the  present  office  of  the  Republican  being  a  representative 
of  the  best  in  modern  newspaper  plants. 

The  Springfield  Union  then  published  only  an  evening  and  a  weekly  edi- 
tion. Joseph  L.  Shipley  was  editor-in-chief,  and  Elijah  A.  Newell,  for  many 
years  our  efficient  city  clerk,  was  then  city  editor.  The  office  was  located  on 
Worthington  street,  just  east  of  Main,  where  a  four-cylinder  type-revolving 
press  was  adequate  for  its  needs.  In  188?  the  paper  moved  to  the  corner  of 
Main  and  Worthington  streets,  where  the  disastrous  fire  occurred  in  March, 
1888.  After  a  temporary  sojourn  in  Fort  street,  in  the  rear  of  Haradon's 
bicycle  store,  the  paper  returned  to  its  remodeled  quarters.  In  1892  a  morning 
edition  was  launched,  and  in  1894  the  Sunday  paper  appeared,  the  weekly  being 
discontinued.  A  few  years  later  the  building  formerly  occupied  by  Hutchins" 
Music  store,  where  Dictz's  bakery  is  now  located,  was  purchased  and  equipped 
for  its  purposes.  This  was  supposed  to  be  a  permanent  home,  but  in  a  few- 
years  proved  to  be  entirely  inadequate,  and  by  1909  the  congestion  had  become 


Central  Labor  Uxiox  History 


57 


so  acute  that  the  building  was  sold  to  A.  Steiger,  and  new  quarters,  more 
adequate  to  the  tremendous  expansion  of  business,  were  leased  at  the  corner  of 
Main  and  Fort  streets.  The  superiority  of  this  office  to  its  predecessor  is 
marked  indeed.  With  the  assured  growth  of  Springfield  it  will  be  of  interest 
to  see  how  long  or  how  short  a  time  shall  elapse  before  these  quarters  are 
once  more  crowded  to  their  capacity. 

The  Daily  News  was  located  just  east  of  the  Union  on  Worthington  street. 
Founded  in  1880  by  Charles  and  Edward  Bellamy,  now  both  deceased,  the 
paper  was  passing  through  a  strenuous  struggle  to  get  a  foothold.  With 
competition  in  its  particular  field  represented  by  the  Daily  Democrat,  it  was  a 
fight  for  the  survival  of  the  fittest. 
The  fittest  survived  and  soon  was  able 
to  remove  to  a  larger  office  on  West 
Worthington  street,  on  the  site  now 
occupied  by  Smart's  restaurant.  Here 
a  well-deserved  prosperity  warranted 
the  erection  of  the  present  quarters 
at  Dwight  and  Worthington  streets. 
A  well-equipped  job  office  was  later 
added,  the  high  quality  of  whose  work 
is  amply  attested  by  this  souvenir. 

The  Phelps  Publishing  Company 
was  just  emerging  from  the  shell  of 
its  extremely  modest  quarters  in  the 
building  of  I  lavnes  &  Co.  The  pur- 
chase of  and  removal  to  the  old 
building  of  Ray  &  Taylor  on  West 
Worthington  street  was  followed  by 
an  amazing  and  continuous  growth 
which  has  made  the  firm  one  of  the 
largest  publishing  houses  in  the  coun- 
try. The  destruction  of  their  plant  by 
fire  in  January,  "1!)<>7,  was  followed  by 
the  erection  of  the  present  enormous 
eight-story  concrete  block,  which  is  a 
monument  to  a  well-deserved  success. 

The  Springfield  Homestead,  now 
occupying  its  own  well-equipped  build- 
ing, was  then  a  small  weekly,  issued 
of  their  agricultural  paper,  the  Xcxv 
three  times  each   week  and  occupies  a   place  all   its  own    in   local    journalism. 

Among  the  older  job  printing  offices  in  the  citv  is  the  label  office  of  Thomas 
F.  Carey.  Mr.  Carey  does  business  at  28-1  Main  street  and  has  a  good  patron- 
age among  the  societies  of  Springfield  especially.  The  Merry  lob  Print,  on 
Pynchon  street,  is  noteworthy  not  only  for  its  use  of  the  label,  but  because  it 
occupies  the  building  which  was  the  original  site  of  the  office  of  the  Union  in 
1SG4.  Amic  L.  Fredette  of  Dwight  street,  another  label  office,  lias  grown 
from  small  dimensions,  and  is  still  growing.  Mr.  Freddie's  latest  achievements 
being  the  instalation  of  a  handsome  cylinder  press  and  a  folding  machine. 
<  >ther  holders  of  the  label  are  Joseph   Bordeaux.  Charles  Illume.  Marks  Klein. 


ARTHUR     F.     HARDWICK 


Secretary-Treasurer    of     No.     216    for    the 
Third   Successive   Year. 


bv  the    Phelps  company   as  an   offshoot 
England   Homestead.      It    now    appears 


58  Central  Labor  Uxiox   History 


the  latter  two  of  whom  handle  exclusively  the  Hebrew  printing  of  this  district, 
and  C.  S.  P.  Murphy.  Publicity  Printing  Company,  and  the  Daily  News  Job 
Print,  of  which  mention  has  already  been  made. 

The  Springfield  Tribune  occupies  the  place  which  twenty-five  years  ago  was 
filled  by  the  Catholic  Herald.  Its  publisher,  Thomas  F.  English,  is  the  suc- 
cessor of  English  &  Donahue.  Daniel  Mullaley  and  others,  who  have  essayed 
the  field  of  journalism  in  the  diocese  of  Springfield. 

Springfield  Typographical  Union  has  a  membership  exceeding  170.  The 
composing  rooms  of  the  daily  newspapers  are  manned  throughout  by  union 
men  and  women.  While  in  the  job  offices  conditions  are  less  satisfactory,  a 
substantial  and  constantly  increasing  representation  carry  cards.  The  history 
of  the  last  twenty-five  years  shows  a  wonderful  advancement  in  working  condi- 
tions in  this  city.  Whether  we  shall  continue  to  progress  depends  entirely 
upon  the  zeal  and  energy  we  shall  display  in  facing  the  problems  that  are 
before  us. 

Among  the  charter  members  of  Xo.  120  was  J.  H.  Van  Keuren,  a  confirmed 
joker.  Ezra  Wilkins.  famed  for  his  honesty  and  upright  character,  was  secre- 
tary and  treasurer  in  1873.  At  one  meeting  Mr.  Van  Keuren  made  a  motion 
that  the  books  of  the  treasurer  should  be  gone  over  and  that  he  should  be  put 
under  bonds.  The  amount  in  the  treasury  at  that  time  was  about  ten  dollars. 
'"There  is  nothing  for  him  to  do  but  to  jump  out  of  town  if  he  wants  to.''  said 
Mr.  Van  Keuren.  Great  was  the  astonishment  of  Mr.  Wilkins.  but  his  con- 
sternation soon  disappeared  in  the  hearty  laugh  led  by  Mr.  Van  Keuren. 

In  the  days  of  Barnes.  McCann  and  Duguid,  or  perhaps  a  little  before, 
Springfield  had  her  own  "swift"  in  the  person  of  Victor  D.  Loomis.  a  member 
of  Xo.  12<»,  whose  reputation  as  a  rapid  compositor  extended  over  the  country. 

In  1869  the  following  printing  offices  were  listed  in  the  Springfield  directory: 

Xewspapers — Xczcs.  afternoon;  Republican,  morning,  except  Sunday, 
Samuel  Bowles  &  Co..  207  Main  street:  Union,  every  afternoon  except  Sunday, 
Union  Printing  Company.  101  Main  street. 

Semi-weekly,  Republican.  Weekly,  Republican  and  Union  :  Ncti'  England 
Homestead,  H.  M.  Burt  &  Co..  6  Music  Hall  block.  Monthly.  Xeie  England 
Homestead. 

Job  Printers — Samuel  Bowles  &  Co..  Franklin  block ;  Joseph  Miller.  17 
Goodrich  block :  J.  F.  Tannatt  &  Co..  3  Elm  street ;  Union  Printing  Company, 
Taylor  &  Olmsted's  block. 

The  constitution  and  by-laws  of  Xo.  120  were  printed  in  1869  by  Samuel 
Bowles  &  Co. 

Before  the  advent  of  typesetting  machines  many  of  the  best  printers  in  the 
country  were  afflicted  with  the.  wanderlust,  working  a  few  days  or  a  few  weeks 
in  one  city  and  then  moving  on  to  the  next  place  in  their  itinerary.  Some, 
after  a  few  years  of  this  roving,  settled  down  in  quietness  for  the  remainder 
of  their  lives.  Others  felt  the  lure  of  the  road  too  strong  to  be  resisted,  until 
they  answered  the  last  call  of  "time."  and  became  confirmed  "tourists."  Old- 
time  printers  will  remember  as  more  or  less  regular  visitors  to  Springfield, 
Jim  Williamson,  with  his  quotations  from  Shakespeare.  Speck  White.  Scotty 
Gordon,  who  "didn't  give  a  dom."  Andy  Hughes,  and  others.  They  were  all 
of  them  in  their  day  competent  printers,  with  unlimited  experience  in  all  kinds 
of  offices,   and   were,    from   principle,   and   as   a   matter   of  necessity,   likewise. 


Central  Labor  Uxiox  History  59 


stanch  union  men.     They  are  the  men  of  whom  was  written  the  graphic  poem 
beginning: 

Here's  a  rhyme  to  the  old  tramp  printer,   who  as  long  as  he  lives   will   roam, 
Whose  card  is  his  principal   treasure  and   where  night  overtakes  him,   home; 
Whose  shoes  are  run  over  and  twisted,  whose  clothing  is  tattered  and   thin, 
And  who  makes  a  bunk  in  the  basement  when  the  pressman  lets  him  in. 

With  the  revolution  in  the  making  of  a  newspaper,  like  Othello,  their 
occupation's  gone.     They  belong  to  a  vanished  era.     Peace  to  their  memory. 

The  Typographical  Union  has  always  stood  for  one  fundamental  principle 
in  its  relations  with  women  in  the  industry — that  of  absolute  equality.  Women 
are  eligible  to  become  members  of  the  organization  and  to  hold  office  therein, 
and  the  slogan  of  the  International  Typographical  Union  has  ever  been  equal 
pay  for  equal  work,  the  only  standard  being  competency. 

Following  is  a  list  of  officers  who  have  guided  the  destinies  of  Xo.  210 
from  the  day  the  charter  was  granted  until  the  present  time: 


CO  Central  Labor  Union  History 


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to       r-^       zn      o       o       — 


Carpenters-The  Little  River  Case 


One  of  the  keenest  students  of  the  history  of  labor  union  development  is 
Walter  J.  LaFrancis,  present  business  agent  of  the  carpenters,  probably  the 
strongest,  numerically,  combination  of  unions  in  the  city.  Delegate  to  the 
Central  body  for  thirteen  years.  Mr.  LaFrancis  has  done  his  best  work  for  the 
body  on  the  legislative  committee.  His  duties  as  business  agent  of  the  car- 
penters keep  him  busy  all  the  time,  but  he  finds  time  to  give  consideration  to 
many  matters  of  importance  to  the  labor  movement  in  general.  As  chairman 
of  the  legislative  committee  he  has  had 
a  class  of  work  to  handle  that  appeals  to 
him,  and  he  has  been  indefatigable  in 
striving  for  the  betterment  of  conditions 
for  the  workers  in  general.  The  trade- 
school  problem  is  one  of  his  hobbies,  for 
he  believes  that  every  hoy  and  girl 
should  he  be  given  that  knowledge  so 
essential  to  the  earning  of  their  own 
living  while  they  are  at  school.  He  is 
not  an  advocate,  however,  of  the  trade 
education  that  would  give  the  younger 
generation  that  smattering  of  technical 
knowledge  that  would  ill  fit  him  to  take 
bis  place  in  the  battle  of  life,  hut  thinks 
that  the  trade  classes  in  the  schools 
which  will  teach  crafts  to  the  stage  of 
competency  are  coming,  and  in  the  not 
distant  future.  Persistent  to  the  limit 
of  the  resources  he  has  at  his  command. 
Mr.  LaFrancis  showed  by  his  handling 
of  the  violation   of   the   eight-hour   law  WALTER  J     LaFRANCis 

by    the    contractors    on    the    Little    River    of  the  French  Carpenters— A  Useful  Dele- 

,,, ,,.].,.     ti,-,)     i,„     ,,,,,|„r,t.,,,,i.     It/,,,-     tli,,  gate    to    the    Central    Labor    Union 

works    that    he    understands    how     the  J      and    an    Expert    in    Legis. 

legal    side    of    questions    can    be    used.  lative  Matters. 

The  Little  River  question,  it  may  be  recalled,  was  a  complaint  that  the  con- 
tractors were  working  their  men — mostly  foreigners — more  than  the  legal  limit 
of  eight  hours  a  dav  as  called  for  hv  the  State  law.  The  Central  Labor  Lnion 
committee  to  investigate  the  conditions  on  the  job  consisted  of  \V.  J.  LaFrancis, 
\Y.  II.  (iradv  of  the  Painters'  Liiion,  R.  A.  Hennessey  of  the  Bricklayers,  and 
]olm  Hurlev.  Numerous  journevs  were  made  to  \\  estfield,  evidence  obtained 
that  the  law  was  being  violated  and  discrimination  being  shown  against  local 
tradesmen  and  every  effort  made  to  have  matters  remedied,  hut  without  avail. 
Mr.  LaFrancis'  report  submitted  to  the  Central  Labor  Union  is  here  reproduced: 
"On  account  of  there  being  so  many  mechanics  and  laborers  out  of  employ- 
ment, both  union  and  non-union,  and  it  being  my  duty  as  a  business  agent 
to  look  after  the  employment  of  men  of  the  carpenter's  trade.  I  watch  all 
large  jobs,  and  to  whom  contracts  were  let.  both  in  and  out  of  the  State.  I 
use  every  effort  with  the  parties  concerned  with  the  employment  of  men.  and 
on  account  of  mv  years  of  experience  of  assisting  men  to  procure  employment 


02  Central  Labor  Union  History 


with  a  class  of  work  which  they  are  adapted  to,  I  have  received  the  patronage 
of  many  large  contracting  companies  throughout  Xew  England  and  New  York. 

"I  had  my  attention  called  to  the  Little  River  job  early  last  spring.  I 
appealed  to  the  contractor  at  that  time  to  give  the  unemployed  mechanics  and 
laborers  who  had  been  all  winter  without  employment  and  who  I  believed 
were  entitled  to  a  preference  on  the  city's  work.  I  was  led  to  believe  at  that 
time  by  the  contractors  and  our  city  officials  who  look  after  (or  are  supposed 
to  look  after  )  the  interest  of  the  citizens  of  Springfield  that  my  appeal  would 
be  heeded,  and  this  is  the  result. 

"After  the  work  on  the  Little  River  water  system  had  commenced,  many 
mechanics  and  laborers  of  Springfield  went  to  the  job  seeking  employment. 
In  some  instances  they  were  told  to  return  in  the  course  of  a  week  or  so. 
Some  of  them  returned  two  and  three  times,  only  to  meet  with  disappointment. 
There  were  so  many  reports  to  the  Central  Labor  Union  Hall  that  it  was 
impossible  for  laborers  and  mechanics  of  Springfield  to  get  employment  on 
the  city's  work  at  the  Little  River,  that  I  personally  took  a  trip  to  the  works 
myself.  I  found  that  the  mechanics  and  laborers  were  compelled  to  work 
ten  hours  per  day  for  less  wages  than  is  paid  for  less  hours  elsewhere.  (This 
was  in  April.)  There  were  about  twenty  carpenters  employed  at  that  time, 
of  whom  only  two  were  residents  of  Springfield. 

"Mr.  Gow.  who  was  in  charge,  stated,  in  an  interview,  that  'They  were 
men  who  had  worked  for  him  before.'  and  he  had  brought  them  here  with 
him.  Nothing  was  said  to  him  in  regard  to  the  hours  of  labor,  but  he  was 
asked  if  he  would  not  give  Springfield  laborers  and  mechanics  a  preference  : 
that  it  was  our  city's  work  and  so  many  of  our  citizens  were  out  of  employment 
that  we  believed  they  were  entitled  to  a  preference.  He  stated  that  he  was 
not  ready  just  then  for  any  more  men.  but  might  require  some  in  a  week  or  so. 

"On  my  way  back  to  Westfield  I  met  a  number  of  men  who  had  got  employ- 
ment on  the  Little  River  job  through  an  agency  called  the  'Xew  England  Labor 
Supply";  some  claimed  to  be  from  Xew  York  City  and  elsewhere,  but  none 
from  Springfield  or  vicinity. 

"Later  on  the  district  council  of  carpenters  gave  me  permission  to  pay 
carfare  and  expenses  to  send  men  to  the  Little  River  job  or  elsewhere  where 
there  was  a  possible  chance  of  their  getting  employment.  But  the  Little  River 
job  might  just  as  well  have  been  stricken  from  our  list  of  jobs.  All  men  that 
we  sent  there — carpenters,  drillers,  and  other  classes  of  labor  required  on  such 
works — came  back  discouraged. 

"I  then  invited  Business  Agent  Grady  of  the  painters  to  come  with  me 
and  enter  a  complaint  with  the  mayor.  This  was  done.  The  mayor  promised 
to  do  everything  that  be  possibly  could  for  the  working  people,  and  would 
do  everything  in  his  power  to  assist  the  unemployed  of  Springfield,  and  told 
us  to  go  to  the  chairman  of  the  water  board.  Everett  E.  Stone.  We  called 
on  Mr.  Stone  at  his  office  the  following  day  and  told  him  of  the  conditions 
that  existed  on  the  Little  River  job.  He  looked  up  the  contract,  and  in  reading 
it  over  he  found  that  the  eight-hour  provision  and  other  provisions  regarding 
the  employment  of  citizens  bad  been  inserted  in  the  contract.  We  also  tele- 
phoned to  Mr.  Lochridge.  the  engineer  in  charge,  if  he  was  aware  that  they 
were  working  ten  hours  per  day  at  the  Little  River  water  system.  We  were 
informed  that  he  was.  and  if  the  law  was  being  violated  the  contractors  were 
liable  to  prosecution. 


Central   Labor  Uxiox   History  f>:3 

"We  then  went  to  the  Free  State  Employment  Bureau  to  see  if  some  of 
the  many  applicants  at  that  office  had  been  referred  to  the  Little  River  job 
and  had  procured  employment  there.  We  were  informed  at  this  office  that 
many  men  had  been  sent  out  to  the  Little  River  job.  but  none  had  procured 
employment  to  their  knowledge. 

"We  were  informed  by  an  official  of  the  city  to  enter  our  complaint  to 
the  State  police,  whose  branch  office  was  located  in  the  Besse  building-.  We 
called  at  this  department.  Mr.  Howe,  State  official,  advised  us  to  enter  the 
complaint  to  Mr.  Whitney,  who  is  chief  of  the  State  district  police. 

"We  returned  to  the  Central  Labor  Union  and  sent  a  written  complaint 
to  the  State  police.  About  a  week  later  we  received  the  following  replv  from 
the  chief  of  the  Massachusetts  district  police  in   Boston  : 

In  reference  to  your  complaint  that  the  eight-hour  law  was  being  vio- 
lated by  the  contractors  of  the  Little  River  water  system  being  installed 
in  the  towns  of  Blandford  and  Westfield,  I  would  respectfully  inform  you 
that  I  have  had  the  matter  investigated.  Instead  of  being  a  violation  of 
the  law,  it  seems  that  the  men  working  there  arc  employed  by  the  hour 
instead  of  by  the  day;  some  of  them  work  less  than  eight  hours,  and  some 
of  them  an  excess  of  eight  hours,  but  it  is  all  done  voluntarily  by  the  men; 
consequently,  in  accordance  with  a  ruling  of  the  attorney  general's  depart- 
ment of  this  Commonwealth,  it  is  not  a  violation  of  the  law.  If  the  men 
were  compelled  to  work  in  excess  of  eight  hours  per  day,  or  in  excess  of 
forty-eight  hours  per  week,  it  would   be  a  violation  of  the  law. 

If  at  any  time  you  or  your  associates  can  furnish  evidence  that  the  men 
are  compelled  to  work  in  excess  of  eight  hours  per  day.  or  forty-eight  hours 
pel-  week,  this  department  will  lie  prompt  to  prosecute  under  those  cir- 
cumstances. 

"I  took  this  letter  which  we  received  from  the  district  police,  accompanied 
by  Delegate  Hurley  (who  was  appointed  by  the  Central  Labor  Cnion  as  an 
additional  member  of  the  committee),  to  the  mayor's  office,  and  showed  him 
the  letter,  informing  him  of  the  conditions  which  we  found  to  still  exist  on  the 
city's  work,  and  asked  him  once  again  for  his  assistance  to  procure  employment 
for  the  unemployed  of  our  city,  and  for  the  enforcement  oi  the  eight-hour  law. 
city  ordinance,  etc.,  in  regard  to  the  employment  of  labor.  He  informed  me 
that  he  would  do  all  that  lay  in  his  power  to  see  that  the  provisions  of  the 
contract  were  lived  up  to.  Rut  as  we  heard  nothing  further  from  His  Honor. 
and  there  was  no  change  in  the  conditions,  we  concluded  that  the  burden  of 
proof  of  the  violation  of  the  eight-hour  law  and  city  ordinance  fell  upon  us. 
We  succeeded  in  getting  affidavits  of  several  men  who  were  employed  on  the 
Little  River  job,  and  what  our  attorney  considered  more  than  sufficient  evi- 
dence to  prove  to  the  court  that  the  law  was  being  violated,  and  we  wrote  the 
following  letter  to  the  chief  of  the  Massachusetts  State  police: 

In  reply  tn  your  letter  of  April  i'7.  l'.aiS,  in  reference  to  our  complaint 
that  the  eight-himr  law  was  being  violated  by  the  contractors  of  the  Little 
River  water  system,  which  is  being  installed  in  the.  towns  of  Blandford  and 
Westfield,  for  the  city  of  Springiield.  You  informed  us  at  that  time,  if  at 
any  time  we  could  furnish  evidence-  that  the  men  were  compelled  to  work 
in  excess  of  eight  hours  per  day,  or  fort y-eight  hours  a  week,  your  depart- 
ment would  be  prompt  to  prosecute.  Since  receiving  your  letter  we-  have 
procured  evidence  which  we  believe  will  satisfy  your  department  that  there 
is  a  violation  of  the  law.  and  would  be  pleased  to  make  arrangements  with 
your  department  for  a  meeting  in  Springfield  Central  Labor  Union  Hall, 
corner  of   Sanford   and    Market    streets,   or  any   other    place   that    you    might 


G4  Central  Labor  Union   History 

su.^t'st.  Kindly  inform  us  what  day  you  can  meet  us,  hour  and  place,  and 
we  will  arrange  to  produce  the  evidence  which  we  believe  will  he  satisfac- 
tory to  you. 

"'Several  daws  after  we  were  informed  that  the  chief  had  detailed  Mr. 
Howe,  who  is  located  in  the  branch  office  at  Springfield,  on  the  case,  and  would 
examine  our  evidence  and.  if  in  his  opinion  it  was  sufficient,  he  would  proceed 
tit   prosecute. 

"We  presented  our  evidence  to  Mr.  Howe,  which  he  considered  sufficient, 
hut  as  we  had  more  evidence  at  hand,  we  desired  him  to  get  it  all.  Mr. 
LaFrancis.  Mr.  Howe  and  one  of  our  witnesses  went  to  the  Little  River  job 
and   examined  three   more   witnesses. 

"We  were  also  informed  by  all  of  our  witnesses  that  a  steam  whistle  was 
blown  on  the  works  at  7  a.  m..  12  m.,  1  p.  m.,  and  0  p.  m.,  which  indicated 
when  to  commence  and  when  to  stop  work.  All  witnesses  informed  us  that 
they  worked  no  less  than  ten  hours  per  day.  except  when  compelled  to  stop 
work   on   account   of   rain. 

"Mr.  Howe  informed  us  that  he  would  send  in  his  report  to  his  chief.  Mr. 
Whitney,  and  get  permission  to  engage  counsel  to  go  ahead  with  the  prosecu- 
tion, and  to  return  to  his  office  in  a  couple  of  days.  Two  days  later  we  returned 
to  Mr.  Howe's  office  and  were  informed  by  his  stenographer  that  Mr.  Howe 
had  decided  to  take  a  vacation.  We  asked  if  he  had  not  made  up  his  mind 
very  suddenly;  she  informed  us  that  he  had.  She  also  informed  us  that  Mr. 
Cleveland  had  taken  Mr.  Howe's  place  and  we  could  see  him  the  next  day.  (  )n 
calling  upon  Mr.  Cleveland  the  next  day.  he  informed  us  'That,  not  being  in 
possession  of  the  facts  of  the  case,  we  would  have  to  wait  until  Mr.  Howe's 
return  before  proceeding  further  with  the  case,  and  he  would  not  return  before 
the  10th  of  July."  This  was  the  2<>th  of  June.  On  the  20th  of  June  we  wrote 
the  following  letter  to  the  chief  of  police : 

Our  committee  took  up  the  complaint  of  the-  violation  of  tin-  eight-hour 
law"  by  the  contractors  of  the  Little  River  water  system  which  is  being 
installed  in  Westfield  and  Blandford.  In  reply  to  our  first  complaint,  your 
office  informed  us  that  the  men  worked  more  than  eight  hours  voluntarily, 
etc.  But  if  at  any  time  we  could  furnish  evidence  that  the  men  were  com- 
pelled to  work  in  excess  of  eight  hours  a  day,  or  forty-eight  hours  per  week, 
your  office  would  Vie  prompt  to  prosecute.  At  our  own  expense  we  secured 
evidence  which  was  satisfactory  and  sufficient  enough,  according  to  the 
opinion  of  Mr.  Howe,  who  is  stationed  in  Springfield  ami  appointed  by  you 
to  proceed  with  the  prosecution  if  the  evidence  was  sufficient.  .Mr.  Howe 
informed  us.  after  examining  the  evidence  which  we  presented,  that  he 
would  send  his  report  to  your  office,  and  get  permission  to  secure  counsel, 
then  proceed  with  the  prosecution,  and  to  call  on  him  the  1'Hth  of  this 
month,  and  by  that  time-  he  would  have  his  instructions  from  you.  On 
calling  at  Mr.  Howe's  office,  I  was  informed  that  -Mr.  Howe  had  suddenly 
decided  to  take  ;i  vacation,  ami  that  the  case  would  not  go  on  until  he 
returned,   which  would   be  some  time  after  the   lath  of  next   month. 

Xow,  our  committee  feels  as  if  this  was  not  a  square  deal  to  postpone 
this  case,  when  we  have  everything  prepared  to  go  ahead  with,  and  we 
desire   to   know   what   is   going   to    he   dune   by   your   department. 

"This  was  our  reply  : 

Your  communication  in  reference  to  the  actions  of  Mr.  Howe  received 
nt  this  office.  In  reference  to  his  suddenly  making  up  his  mind  to  go  on  a 
vacation,    that    is    a     mistake.      Mr.    Howe     was    slated    the    same    as    other 


Central  Labor  Union'   History  65 


members  of  this  department  for  a  vacation  in  advance  of  his  departure, 
with   permission   of  the  deputy   of  the  department   under    whom    he   serves. 

The  matter  of  your  complaint  has  been  taken  under  advisement  by 
myself.  Mr.  Howe  also  has  consulted  with  the  judge  in  reference  to  the 
same,  and  1  have  personally  written  to  the  judge  and  am  endeavoring  to 
make  some  arrangement  for  the  assistance  of  the  authorities  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Westfield  court  to  take  hold  of  the  matter.  Such  mat- 
ters, from  my  past  experience,  cannot  be  hurriedly  worked  out  safely.  It 
would  he  easy  enough  to  swear  out  a  warrant,  but  things  should  be  worked 
in  co-operation  with  the  court  and  the  local  officers  as   well. 

If  you  are  dissatisfied  with  the  way  that  I  am  handling  the  matter  I 
would  respectfully  suggest  to  you  that  if  you  desire  I  am  perfectly  agree- 
able if  you  and  the  witnesses  whom  you  have  interviewed  and  feel  as  if 
it  is  a  perfect  case  should  call  at  the  Westfield  court  and  make  the  com- 
plaint. If  you  desire  to  do  so,  I  will  write  a  letter  personally  to  the  judge 
and  enlist  the  assistance  of  the  sheriff  of  the  county  and  the  local  police 
force  of  Westfield  and  Blandford  to  assist  you  in  the  matter.  I  make  this 
suggestion  in  all  good  faith  and  still  feel  as  if  the  matter  is  being  con- 
ducted with  all  the  speed  that  can  be  safely.  Today  I  received  a  personal 
letter  from  the  judge,  and  in  consequence  of  his  letter  I  feel  as  if  he  will 
aid  and  assist  you  by  interesting  the  local  police  under  his  jurisdiction  to 
take  the  matter  up  if  you  desire  me  to  drop  it  and  leave  it  that  way.  I  do 
this  in  no  spirit  of  enmity  or  dissatisfaction — simply  to  inform  you  that  I 
am  interested  in  the  matter,  and  if  any  process  is  begun  I  wish  to  assure 
its    being   done    properly   and    successfully. 

Will  you  kindly  at  your  earliest  convenience  inform  me  if  you  accept 
the   proposition  that   I   make   to   you? 

"After  considering  the  contents  of  this  letter,  we  decided  that  two  of  the 
committee  go  to  Boston  and  see  Mr.  Whitney  personally,  which  was  done. 
R.  A.  Hennessey  and  myself  called  at  the  chief's  office.  We  expressed  our 
dissatisfaction  with  him,  in  the  manner  in  which  we  had  been  treated  from 
the  start,  and  that  we  did  not  believe  that  it  was  up  to  us  to  procure  evidence, 
affidavits,  and  prove  our  case  before  it  was  brought  into  court.  He  informed 
us  that  that  part  rightfully  belonged  in  the  towns  where  the  law  was  being 
broken.  After  a  lengthy  argument  along  these  lines,  and  in  order  that  our 
case  might  be  pushed  forward  without  delay,  we  were  given  a  letter  of  intro- 
duction to  Judge  Willis  S.  Kellogg  of  the  District  Court,  Westfield,  Mass., 
which   follows: 

Boston,  Mass.,  July  2,   1908. 
Judge  Willis  S.  Kellogg, 

District  Court,  Westfield,  Mass. 
I  >ear  Judge: 

This  morning  I  was  called  upon  by  two  representatives  of  a  labor  asso- 
ciation in  Springfield  who  have  been  investigating  the  violation  of  the 
eight-hour  law  in  the  towns  of  Westfield  and  Blandford  under  a  contract 
for  the  city  of  Springfield,  Mass.  Inspector  Howe  is  absent  on  his  vaca- 
tion, and  I  feel  that  they  would  1  e  better  satisfied  to  call  upon  you  in  person 
with  two  or  three  witnesses  in  reference  to  the  violation  of  the  eight-hour 
law.  If  you  would  be  kind  enough  to  hear  the  statements  personally  of  the 
witnesses  it  would  be  granting  a  favor  to  them  as  well  as  to  this  depart- 
ment. Mr.  Howe  will  return  from  his  vacation  on  the  loth  instant.  Will 
you  kindly  advise  Mr.  LaKrancis  and  his  associate  in  regard  to  what  you 
consider  would  be  necessary  to  establish  a  prima  facie  case  to  warrant  an 
issue  of  a    precept   to  summons   the   defendant   contractors    into   court? 

If  you  lack  evidence  to  establish  the  complaint,  will  you  kindly  arrange 
to  have  the  local  authorities  or  the  sheriff  of  the  county  assist  them  in 
co-operation   witii   this  department?     On   the   return  of   Mr.    Howe  from   his 


00  Central  Labor  Union  History 

vacation,  if  you  deem  it  necessary  to  wait  for  his  return,  he  will  immediately 
take  hold  and  assist  them  in  the  preparation  of  the  case  if  necessary.  If 
they  need  any  additional  assistance  from  this  department  I  will  assign  a 
man  to  assist  Mr.  Howe  and  the  local  police  of  Westfield  if  you  deem  it 
desirable  after  hearing  the  evidence  submitted  by  Mr.  LaFrancis  and  his 
associate. 

Pardon   me  for  imposing  upon  you  in  this   instance,  but   it  seems   to   me 
that  from  the  representative  LaFrancis  and  his  associate  of  the  union  that 
they  have  good  cause  to  feel  that  the  law  is  being  violated. 
Respectfully  yours, 

(Signed)  J.  H.  Whitney, 

Chief  of  the  District   Police. 

"The  following'  day  I  called  at  Judge  Kellogg's  offiee  and  presented  my 
letter  of  introduction.  Judge  Kellogg,  on  reading  the  letter,  stated  that  Air. 
Whitney  did  not  seem  to  understand,  and  refused  to  answer  some  of  the  ques- 
tions put  to  him.  informing  me  that  Attorney  Bushman  was  clerk  of  the  district 
court,  and  he  would  give  me  all  the  information  I  desired.  1  then  called  at 
Attorney  Bushman's  office,  and  he  in  turn  informed  me  that  all  witnesses  and 
affidavits  must  he  presented  at  his  offiee,  and  if  they  were  sufficient  to  warrant 
the  issuing  of  warrant  he  would  do  so.  I  told  him  I  hoped  we  had  at  last 
reached  the  proper  and  final  place  and  the  proper  officials  who  had  the  moral 
courage  to  enforce  the  law.  The  following  day,  witnesses  appeared  in  person, 
suhmitted  their  affidavits  to  Attorney  Bushman  (clerk  of  the  district  court), 
and  were  cross-examined  by  him  as  if  on  trial  before  a  jury.  He  stated  that 
the  evidence  was  good,  hut  wanted  substantiating  evidence  to  the  statements 
of  the  individual   witnesses  to  warrant  a   successful   case. 

"We  told  him  that  it  was  impossible  for  us  to  get  witnesses  (at  this  time) 
to  the  conversation  that  took  place  between  the  contractors  and  the  witnesses. 
Mr.  Bushman  then  stated  that  he  would  issue  a  warrant  on  the  evidence  already 
submitted.  We  told  him  that  we  were  satisfied  to  take  our  chances  in  the 
courts,  but  notwithstanding  all  the  evidence  submitted,  we  failed  to  secure 
warrants   against   the    offending   parties. 

"This  report  is  a  good  illustration  of  the  ineffectiveness  of  laws  that  have 
been  enacted  for  the  protection  and  benefit  of  the  toiling  masses.  The  eight- 
hour  law,  mechanics'  lien  law.  the  child  labor  law.  and  all  other  laws  that 
protect  the  American  home,  and  uphold  American  conditions  against  conditions 
that  have  driven  so  many  foreign  workmen  and  women  to  our  shores.  Advan- 
tage has  been  taken  of  these  foreigners,  and  they  have  become  victims  of  the 
Padrone  system,  which  is  in  vogue  in  this  country.  And  when  the  working 
people  protest  too  loudly  against  the  injustice  that  is  being  done  them,  so  that 
it  disturbs  politicians  and  legislators,  a  new  bit  of  legislation  is  enacted  with 
a  string  attached  to  it.  so  that  it  may  be  withdrawn  or  amended  at  will.  These 
facts  have  been  demonstrated  by  letters  that  have  fallen  into  our  possession, 
that  enemies  have  sent  to  members  of  the  Legislature,  employers  of  labor, 
property  holders  and  business  men  throughout  the  State  of  Massachusetts, 
soliciting  their  co-operation  to  defeat  all  labor  measures  that  would  better  the 
conditions  of  the  working  people  by  reducing  the  hours  of  labor  and  increasing 
their  wages  sufficiently  so  that  they  can  properly  educate  and  otherwise  provide 
for  their  families." 

Ten  thousand  of  these  reports  were  printed,  and  they  were  quickly  dis- 
tributed and  a  copy  is  filed  with  the  State  records  at  the  State  House. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  GT 


During  the  winter  of  1896-1897,  difficulties  of  language  led  to  the  forming 
of  an  English-speaking  carpenters'  local,  and  Xo.  177  of  the  United  Brother- 
hood of  Carpenters  and  Joiners  came  into  existence.  This  was  an  offshoot  of 
No.  96.  The  older  body  had  been  in  existence  eleven  years  before  they  got 
wise  to  the  fact  that  there  were  many  carpenters  in  the  city  not  holding  union 
cards,  and  a  committee  of  one  was  appointed  to  move  among  the  outsiders  and 
see  what  could  be  done  to  organize  them.  The  task  was  entrusted  to  Fddie 
Goslyn,  and  his  investigations  led  to  the  report  that  he  found  many  men  willing 
to  become  unionized,  but  their  plea  was  that  it  was  useless  for  them  to  join 
and  attend  the  meetings  of  Xo.  90,  as  all  the  proceedings  were  conducted  in 
the  French  language. 

Recognizing  the  justice  of  the  plea  of  their  brothers  who  knew  not  the 
language,  Xo.  96  immediately  enrolled  enough  English-speaking  journeymen 
to  enable  them  to  apply  for  a  charter,  and  the  charter  for  this  new  body  was 
issued  .April  19,  1897,  with  the  following  names  inscribed  thereon: 

E.  J.  Burdett  J.  \Y.  Foster 

William  E.  Xettleton  Michael  Egan 

Frank  F.  Robbins  E.  F.  Cummings 

William  Foster  E.  Clough 

G.  R.  Joslyn  George  F.  Jackson 

\V.  E.  Casler  Daniel  Knelly 

Charles  H.  Seache  Daniel  Shea 

Patrick  J.  Collins  George  French 

J.  F.  Fitzhenry  George  ().  Terry 

Charles  W.  Merrill  William  Ellis 

William  J.  Ryan  A.  L.  Caswell 

A.  W.  Barnard  F.  Wilson 

Louis  F.  Jenkins  Charles  Ford 

John  Emerson  F.  E.  Abbott 

Three  days  after  the  receipt  of  the  charter  a  meeting  was  called  by  Xo.  96 
and  the  document  was  formally  presented  to  l'Anglais  by  the  French  officers. 
M.  T.  Xihill  was  a  member  of  Xo.  96  at  that  time — he  now  owes  allegiance  to 
177 — and  he  acted  as  installing  officer  for  the  new  local,  the  following  board 
of  officers  being  chosen:  President,  William  Foster;  vice-president,  E.  I. 
Burdett;  recording  secretary.  W.  E.  Casler;  financial  secretary,  Patrick  J. 
Collins;  treasurer.  F.  F.  Cummings;  conductor,  William  Xettleton;  warden, 
William  J.  Ryan:  trustees.  ( ',.  O.  Terry,  E.  I.  Burdett  and  A.  W.  Barnard; 
auditors.  Grant  Jostlcr.  I.  M.   Foster  and  John  Emerson. 

An  agreement  was  immediately  entered  into  with  the  parent  body  that  Xo. 
96  should  recruit  from  the  French-speaking  journeymen,  leaving  all  English- 
speaking  carpenters  to  the  new  local.  That  agreement  is  still  in  existence. 
At  this  time  the  carpenters  were  working  nine  hours  per  day.  but  there  were 
some  contractors  that  insisted  on  a  ten-hour  day.  the  scale  being  but  25  cents 
an  hour.  On  Mav  31,  1897,  the  two  locals  got  together  on  the  hours  question 
and  invited  the  older  bodv  to  co-operate  in  an  endeavor  to  obtain  a  universal 
nine-hour  day.  A  committee  of  fourteen. — seven  from  each  body — was 
appointed  to  inquire  into  the  matter,  and  the  joint  bodies  finally  voted  to  accept 
nine  hours'  pav  for  a  nine-hour  workday.     Two  years  later  a  minimum  scale 


6S  Central  Lauor  Union   History 


of  $2.50  for  nine  hours  was  established,  this  being  a  slight  increase  in  the 
hourly  rate.  The  eight-hour  day.  however,  was  the  objective  at  which  the 
whole  body  of  carpenters  was  aiming,  and  this  was  secured  on  May  1,  1900, 
without  any  trouble. 

In  November.  1901,  the  two  locals  combined  with  No.  685  of  Chicopee  and 
called  for  a  charter  to  form  the  Springfield  district  council,  which  has  jurisdic- 
tion over  an  area  bounded  on  the  north  by  Ilolyoke  line,  east  by  Palmer,  south 
by  the  Connecticut  line,  and  west  by  YVestfield  line.  The  council  is  composed 
of  five  delegates  from  each  local  (No.  1105.  millmen,  had  in  the  meantime  been 
in  process  of  formation),  and  is  supported  by  a  per  capita  tax  from  each  body. 
It  pays  and  directs  the  endeavors  of  the  business  agent  and  transacts  all  busi- 
ness of  common  interest  to  the  carpenters  of  the  district.  William  Foster  was 
the  first  president  of  the  council,  he  also  being  honored  by  election  as  first 
president  of  No.  177.  Since  the  formation  of  the  district  council  the  history 
of  the  locals  has  been  practically  synonymous. 

To  the  Public:  — 

The  carpenters  of  Springfield  invited  the  master  carpenters  to  meet  them 
in  November,  1903,  to  discuss  and  adjust  the  wage  scale  for  the  year  com- 
mencing May  1,  1904.  The  increased  cost  of  living  has  compelled  us  to  ask 
for  an  increase  in  wages.  Our  wages  have  been  increased  but  25  cents  per 
day  in  fifteen  years.  During  all  this  time  the  masters  have  increased  to  the 
public  the  price  of  a  man  60  cents  per  day.  Our  wages  only  average  $650 
per  year,  and  that  is  not  enough  to  enable  us  to  properly  provide  for  our 
families,  buy  tools,  and  pay  for  cartage  of  tools  from  job  to  job. 

Instead  of  meeting  us  and  reasoning,  they  have  flatly  refused  to  deal  with 
us,  and  in  order  to  prevent  us  from  working  for  others  who  would  be  willing 
to  pay  increased  wages,  they  have  forced  the  lumber  dealers  to  raise  the 
price  of  lumber  to  all  who  are  not  members  of  their  association.  They 
claim,  and  take  the  right  to  increase  the  cost  of  lumber,  while  refusing  to 
even  discuss  our  right  to  more  wages.  These  gentlemen  have  refused  a 
request  to  meet  a  committee  of  the  district  council  of  carpenters,  the 
Central  Labor  Union,  and  the  state  board  of  arbitration,  also  the  request 
of  the  architects  to  try  to  adjust  our  differences.  Having  increased  the 
cost  of  lumber  and  refused  to  talk  to  any  one  that  might  lead  to  the 
adjustment  of  our  differences,  they  expect  the  public  to  take  kindly  to 
their  actions. 

We  are  willing  to  submit  our  case  to  the  public,  but  because  of  the 
refusal  of  the  masters  we  have  been  unable  to  do  so.  We  maintain  that 
our  action  in  taking  up  the  question  with  the  masters  six  months  before 
May  1st,  showed  that  we  wanted  to  discuss  and  settle  the  question  as  men 
should.  They  flatly  refused  a  conference  through  the  carpenters'  district 
council,  the  Central  Labor  Union  and  the  state  board  of  arbitration,  to 
settle  this  trouble  that  is  injuring  the  public  as  well  as  the  parties  directly 
interested.  Having  been  unable  to  get  the  association  to  deal  with  us,  we 
are  willing  to  let  the  public  judge  who  is  right,  and  if  our  actions  and 
present  position  meets  with  your  approval,  we  ask  that  you  assist  us  by 
insisting  that  your  work  be  done  by  union  carpenters.  We  are  prepared 
to  do  all  kinds  of  jobbing,  by  the  day  or  contract,  at  a  low  price,  and  can 
buy  lumber  from  other  dealers  at  the  old  price,  and  will  furnish  you  men 
at  ••> 3 . 2 5   per  day. 

A  conference  in  November,  190.3,  was  held  between  the  contractors  and  a 
committee  from  the  district  council  to  consider  an  increase  from  $2.75,  to 
which  point  the  carpenters  in  the  meantime  had  progressed,  to  $3.25  a  day 
for  eight  hours.  It  was  proposed  to  put  this  new  scale  into  operation  the 
following  May.     The  prospects  for  the  advance  were  rosy  until  about  a  month 


Central  Labor  Union  History  69 


before  it  was  hoped  it  would  go  into  effect,  when  pressure  was  brought  to 
bear  on  the  contractors  by  the  Xew  England  association  of  builders  which 
caused  them  to  stiffen  their  backs  and  resist  the  demand.  The  inevitable 
strike  resulted  on  May  day,  and  every  man  carrying  a  union  card  in  his  pocket 
quit  work.  The  strike  lasted  fourteen  weeks,  with  hardly  a  single  man  desert- 
ing the  ranks,  but  the  men  failed  to  gain  their  point,  and  after  many  meetings 
the  strike  was  called  off  on  August  7.  The  strike  was  an  element  of  good, 
however,  for  both  sides  had  evidently  had  enough,  and  since  that  date  the 
demands  have  been  small  on  the  part  of  the  employe  and  have  been  granted 
with  very  little  trouble. 

It  was  not  until  1909  that  this  body  succeeded  in  obtaining  their  hearts' 
desire,  namely,  $3.25  a  day,  or  $19.50  for  forty-eight  hours ;  a  year  later  the 
44-hour  week  was  established  and  this  exists  at  the  present  time,  with  a 
minimum  of  $19.50  for  that  working  week. 

In  the  fifteen  years  of  its  existence,  Xo.  177  has  admitted  1,150  members. 
Some  have  gone  to  the  Great  Beyond  from  which  no  journeyman  ever  returns, 
others  have  been  suspended,  but  most  of  this  large  number  have  taken  out 
clearance  cards  and  joined  other  unions,  till  today  No.  177  has  barely  400 
members — 372,  to  be  exact — but  this  is  the  largest  body  of  carpenters  in  the 
district. 

A  few  words  about  the  international  body  may  not  be  out  of  place  here. 
The  United  Brotherhood  of  Carpenters  and  Joiners  of  America  was  founded 
in  a  convention  held  in  Chicago,  August  12,  1881,  with  eleven  local  unions 
and  2,042  members.  Today  it  numbers  1,951  locals,  with  a  total  membership 
of  more  than  20(1,000  members.  It  pays  to  its  membersbip  on  the  death  of  a 
wife  a  sum  varying  from  $25  to  $50;  on  the  death  of  a  member  in  good  stand- 
ing $100  to  $200,  and  disability  benefits  from  $100  to  $400.  The  international 
body  has  so  far  paid  out  in  this  manner  two  and  three-quarters  millions  dollars 
since  1883,  and  in  the  past  two  years  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  million  dollars 
has  gone  into  the  pockets  of  its  membersbip  or  their  heirs.  Tbe  locals,  too, 
have  not  been  backward  in  this  respect,  for  in  the  past  twenty-five  years 
over  two  million  dollars  lias  been  expended  in  sick  benefits.  This,  of  course, 
refers  to  tbe  locals  internationally.  Strikes  have  cost  the  international  body 
$1,041,420,  and  tbe  total  sum  expended  by  tbe  united  brotherhood  for  benevolent 
and  charitable  purposes  is  estimated  at   tbe  huge   sum  of  $6,561,593. 


A  Fourteen  Weeks5  Strike 


Three  years  prior  to  the  formation  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  as  such,  the 
French-speaking  carpenters  of  this  district  began  to  find  thing's  in  a  deplorable 
condition  from  their  standpoint,  and  in  the  month  of  November,  1884,  a  small 
group  of  them  realized  the  necessity  of  instant  action  tending  toward  some 
sort  of  a  protective  association,  if  they  would  preserve  their  manhood  and 
protect  their  families  from  want.  Individual  action  was  felt  to  be  a  thing  of 
the  past  and  that  the  future  welfare  and  advancement  of  the  journeyman 
carpenter  lay   in   combination. 

Several  social  gatherings  were  held  during  the  succeeding  winter,  under 
the  chairmanship  of  M.  T.  Xihill,  at  which  conditions  and  future  action  were 
discussed.  Many  brethren  of  the  saw  and  plane  were  invited  to  join  in  these 
social  affairs,  but  that  innate  timidity  that  usually  characterizes  the  action 
of  men  who  know  not  their  own  strength  prevailed,  and  the  ranks  of  the 
insurgents  increased  but  little,  for  most  of  them  were  afraid  to  be  seen  at 
these  gatherings,  for  fear  they  would  lose  their  situations,  as  it  was  known 
that  the  formation  of  a  union  was  in  contemplation.  But  the  courage  of  the 
little  group  of  men  at  the  head  of  affairs  never  ebbed,  and  in  the  spring  of 
18S5 — April  14  was  the  memorable  date — the  following  carpenters  of  this 
city  received  their  charter  from  the  international  headquarters  of  the  United 
Brotherhood  of  Carpenters  and  Joiners  of  America: 

\Y.  R.  McMellen  X.  L.  Byron 

I.  M.  Hervieux  IT.  Lucier 

M.  T.  Xihill  R.  Murphy 

G.  Dupont  C.  Lebeau 

X.  Perkins  L.  Randall 

T.  Russell  F.  Demers 

X.  E.  Russell  \V.  J.  Littlefield 

X.  Dion  \Y.  J.  Laine 

J.  Forham  C.  Moudy 

L.  Bovia  E.  Wagner 
J.  II.  Waters 

W.  R.  McMellen,  the  first  man  on  the  charter,  was  chosen  president,  and 
the  union  grew  but  slowly.  Progress  was.  however,  sure,  and  three  years 
later  the  local  claimed  to  have  two-thirds  of  the  carpenters  in  the  city  in  its 
ranks ;  then  came  the  first  clash  with  the  contractors. 

A  special  meeting  was  called,  at  which  it  was  decided  to  demand  a  nine- 
hour  day — the  hours  prior  to  this  had  been  whatever  the  contractors  could 
induce  the  men  to  work.  Wages  were  averaging  from  $1.75  to  $2.50  a  day.  a 
few  foremen  being  in  receipt  of  $3  a  day.  The  treasury  of  Xo.  96  has  con- 
siderably   over   $1,000   at    the    present    time. 

X'.  hi  Russell  was  appointed  as  walking  delegate  to  see  if  a  minimum  of 
$2.25  a  day,  with  a  nine-hour  workday,  could  not  be  obtained.  Some  of  the 
contractor.-  stood  out  against  the  demand,  but  the  majoritv  came  into  line,  and 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


71 


from  that  date  the  nine-hour  day  was  established,  the  minimum  being  25  cents 
per  hour.  For  five  years  work  was  plentiful,  and  the  wages  had  advanced 
another  2.1  cents  a  day  during  that  time;  but  the  leaven  mixed  in  the  first 
clash  with  the  employers  had  been  getting  in  its  work,  and  the  spring  of 
1901  saw  the  inevitable  demand  for  eight  hours,  with  no  diminution  in  pay. 
which  was  at  this  time  $2.75  a  day.  The  master  carpenters  held  a  meeting 
at  which  it  was  decided  to  oppose  this  new  demand.  G.  \V.  Bruce,  who  was 
then  business  agent,  did  his  duty  so  well  that  the  employers  were  brought  to 
see  the  justice  of  the  proposed  change  in  working  conditions.  The  con- 
tractors, seeing  the  determined  front  opposed  to  them  by  the  union,  conceded 
the  eight-hour  dav,  though  some  of 
the  workmen  were  obliged  to  lay  down 
their  tools  and  lose  a  few  days'  work 
before  the  contractor  saw  things  in 
the  same  light  as  they.  The  victory 
was  so  substantial  that  a  closed  shop 
agreement  was  entered  into  the  same 
year. 

About  this  time  a  local  was  formed 
in  Chicopee,  No.  085,  and  a  millmen's 
union  came  into  being.  No.  1105,  No. 
177 — the  English-speaking  carpenters 
■ — having  already  been  formed.  These 
four  locals  got  together  and  a  com- 
mittee of  five  from  each  local  was 
appointed  to  inquire  into  the  possi- 
bility of  forming  a  carpenters'  district 
council.  The  outlook  for  such  a  body 
was  of  the  best,  and  the  charter  was 
applied  for,  a  constitution  and  by-laws 
drawn  up  for  the  government  of  all 
affiliated  locals.  The  council  is  com- 
posed of  five  delegates  from  each 
body,  a  business  agent  looks  after  the 
interests  of  all  and  the  financial  side 
is  maintained  by  per  capita  tax.  Mat- 
ters   went    smoothly    for   over   a   year 

and  little  trouble  was  experienced  by  the  business  agent  in  adjusting  all 
grievances.  In  the  month  of  June,  1903,  trouble  arose  on  the  II.  P.  Cummings 
job,  the  new  plant  being  erected  for  the  Fiberloid  people  in  Indian  Orchard — 
the  old  grievance  of  non-union  men  being  employed.  1  *Ti  1 1  v  ion  members  of 
the  locals  laid  down  their  tools.  The  difficulty  was  adjusted,  however,  satis- 
factorily to  all  concerned.  \Y.  J.  La  Francis  was  hereabouts  elected  to  be 
business  agent  at  a  mass-meeting  of  the  locals  concerned,  three  men  being 
in   the   running  for  the   position. 

In  the  fall  of  1903,  a  conference  was  held  between  a  committee  of  the 
master  carpenters  and  members  of  the  district  council,  tor  the  purpose  of 
adjusting  a  new  wage  scale  which  the  carpenters  believed  they  were  entitled 
to  under  the  trade  conditions  existing  at  that  time.  The  conference  was 
amicable  and  the  men   were  led  to  believe   that   their  demand   for   a   minimum 


M.    T.     NIHILL 
Veteran    of   the    Carpenters'    Union 


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Central   Labor  Union    History  7.'5 

of  $3.25  for  an  eight-hour  day  would  be  granted.  Early  in  the  spring  of  1904, 
however,  an  employers'  association  was  formed  in  many  eities  throughout  the 
New  England  States,  for  the  purpose  of  resisthig  the  demands  of  the  men. 
The  local  employers  were  taken  into  the  fold,  and  the  local  Master  Builders' 
Association,  with  Agent  Dennison  at  its  head,  made  preparations  to  resist  the 
proposed  new  wage  scale;  it  was  thought  the  object  was  to  bankrupt  the 
unions.  The  new  association  was  heavily  backed  financially;  their  methods 
were  to  obtain  help  from  Northern  Xew  England  and  Canada.  Matters  came 
to  a  climax  on  May  day,  190-i,  when  the  district  council  was  informed  that 
the  demand  for  an  eight-hour  day.  with  pay  at  the  rate  of  $.'!.25  a  day.  would 
not  be  granted.  A  call  for  a  conference  was  refused,  so  the  union  carpenters 
laid  down  their  tools.  Non-union  men  were  at  once  imported  into  the  district, 
but  not  in  sufficient  quantity  to  enable  the  work  on  hand  to  be  carried  on,  and 
the  building  trade  was  quickly  at  a  standstill.  For  fourteen  weeks  the  struggle 
continued;  then  an  open  letter  was  issued  to  the  public,  stating  the  position 
of  the  union  workmen,  and  a  business  men's  committee  interviewed  the  leaders 
of  the  men  and  the  Master  Builders'  Association,  with  the  view  of  bringing 
the  two  factions  together  and  thus  bring  the  strike  to  an  end,  but  without 
success.      |  This  letter   is   reproduced   elsewhere   in   this   history.] 

Many  carpenters  had  meanwhile  left  the  city,  and  a  mass-meeting  was  called 
and  the  men  voted  to  return  to  work.  Thus  ended  the  fourteen  weeks'  strike. 
The  men  returned  to  work,  most  of  them  went  back  to  their  own  jobs;  there 
was  plenty  of  work  for  all,  and  many  employers  granted  the  increase  of  25 
cents  a  day.  The  light  tor  the  closed  shop  was  not,  however,  relegated  to 
the  waste  paper  basket,  though  for  the  next  tour  years  matter.-  remained 
quiescent,  but   gradually  the   minimum   oi    $.'5.25   a  day   was   secured. 

Two  years  ago  a  mass-meeting  of  carpenters  decided  that  it  was  for  the 
good  of  their  cause  that  they  take  a  Saturday  half-holiday.  They  notified 
the  Master  Builders'  Association  and  asked  for  an  increase  of  ? ') ..  per  cent 
in  their  wages.  The  employers  refused  the  demand,  but  as  work  was  so 
plentiful,  opportunity  was  taken  to  test  the  strength  of  their  position.  On  the 
first  Saturday  in  May,  1910.  the  union  carpenters  quit  work  at  noon  and 
returned  to  work  on  the  next  Monday  morning.  No  opposition  was  ottered 
to  the  resumption,  and  they  repeated  the  same  stunt  the  following  Saturday. 
In  some  instances  the  men  did  not  receive  the  increase  of  wage-  asked  for. 
but  thev  took  the  half-holiday.  These  tactic-  have  been  continued  up  to  the 
pre>ent  day,  and  the  minimum  scale  is  now  $3. 54  a  day.  or  Tl  l-:i  cent-  an 
hour   for  a  44-hour  week. 

Local  No.  9(>  has  a  membership  of  about  :J5(),  and  the  due-  are  SI  a  month 
for  those  who  wish  to  participate  in  the  sick  benefit-.  75  cent-  a  month  tor 
those   who  do  not. 


Cigarmakers  and  Their  Label 


The  story  of  Cigar  Makers*  local  No.  4!)  without  doubt  forms  a  very 
important  part  of  the  history  of  the  labor  movement  in  this  locality,  as  it 
was.  and  now  is,  part  of  every  movement  having  for  its  object  the  advance 
incut  of  the  financial  and  improvement  of  the  moral  condition  of  the  worker. 
Numerous  mistakes  were  made  and  through  misunderstandings  much  feeling 
was  engendered  which  worked  a  great  deal  of  harm,  and  the  panic  of  the  7()\s 
resulted  in  many  of  the  records  being  mislaid,  and  in  some  cases  destroyed,  so 
that,  with  an  organization  dating  back  to  18G5,  the  movements  of  the  Cigar 
Makers  are  merely  a  matter  of  the  memories  of  the  older  men  of  the  craft  up 
to  July  .'5.    1882,   when   the  written   records  begin. 

Conditions  in  18(>5  in  the  district  led  up  to  a  strike  for  more  wages.  The 
movement  started  in  Suffield,  spread  through  Feeding  Hills  and  Westfield  and 
on  to  Springfield.  The  workers  of  this  city,  however,  bore  the  financial  brunt 
of  the  struggle  and  thus,  in  a  small  way,  was  the  union  spirit  generated, 
though  the  real  "get  together"  spirit   was  not  much  in  evidence. 

It  was  fully  ten  years  alter  this  before  the  Springfield  local  was  organized 
and  affiliated  with  the  national  body,  then  called  the  National  Union  of  Cigar 
Makers.  At  the  convention  held  in  Buffalo  in  September,  1S('»7,  the  name  of 
the  body  was  changed  to  the  International  Cigar  Makers'  Union  of  North 
America. 

The  charter  held  by  the  local  at  the  present  time  is  not  the  original,  which 
was  lost  in  a  peculiar  manner,  but  a  duplicate,  which  was  not  received  until  the 
meeting  of  December  21,  1SSC).  The  story  of  the  loss  of  the  first  charter  is 
a  strange  one  and  the  whereabouts  of  the  document,  traced  up  to  a  certain 
point,  are  as  much  a  mystery  as  ever.  It  appears  that  at  the  time  the  local 
was  disbanded,  one  K.  Gerke  was  secretary — he  is  not  living  now.  Mr.  Gerke 
had  possession  of  the  records  of  the  local  and  also  the  precious  charter,  lie. 
with  his  family,  removed  to  Germany,  leaving  the  records  and  charter  in  a 
trunk  in  the  attic  of  a  house  on  Central  street  in  this  city,  occupied  by  his 
brother-in-law,  another  cigar  maker,  named  Lohr.  Mr.  Lohr  moved  shortly 
afterward,  forgetting-  about  the  trunk  and  records  in  the  attic.  ( )n  the  reor- 
ganization later  the  matter  of  the  old  records  and  charter  was  brought  up  and 
search  made  for  the  documents,  without  success. 

The  officers  and  members  of  the  executive  board  on   reorganization  were: 

President — John  T.  Smith. 
Secretary — 1).  K.  Murphy. 
Treasurer — William    Simpson. 

Executive    Board — James    Tully,    M.    J.    King.    T.ottis    Roeder,    Abel 
Feeder. 

From  Is*''.")  to  IsCiS  little  can  be  learned  of  the  local  other  than  that  it  had 
a  very  precarious  existence.  The  laws  in  those  days  worked  injustice  to  the 
workman.  The  revenue  department  called  for  the  issue  of  a  permit  to  every 
individual  manufacturer  of  cigars  and  a  return  by  him  oi  all  cigars  nianufac 
tured  either  weekly  or  monthly.  The  authorities  would  then  issue  the  revenue 
stamp,  a  sort  of  double  tallv  that  caused  much  confusion.      Repeated  agitation 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


75 


obtained  the  repeal  of  this  law.  B.  B.  Oppenheimer  was  financial  secretary 
and  also  recording  secretary.  He  is  still  in  the  city.  William  Wrightmeyer 
succeeded    him. 

In  1S?'3  the  international  body  adopted  a  death  benefit  that  was  the  means 
indirectly  of  the  disbanding  of  the  local.  The  new  scheme  called  for  an 
assessment  of  ten  cents  on  every  man  affiliated  with  the  international  hodv 
on  the  report  of  a  death  ot  a  member  in  good  standing  being  received  at 
headquarters.  'Ibis  assessment  was  collected  by  each  local  and  forwarded 
to  the  local  reporting  the  death  within  twenty  days.  The  benefit  was  to  be 
paid  only  where  the  deceased  member  lett  a  widow,  orphan  or  dependent 
relative.  As  can  readily  be  imagined, 
this  led  to  continued  strife  and  a  fine 
discrimination  as  to  what  constituted  a 
dependent  relative,  and  the  result  was 
that    manv    members    throughout    the 

jurisdiction   of   the   international   body 
rebelled   against    the   law.      Local    No. 

1!)   was  caught   in   the  maelstrom   and, 
after  the  motion  to  withdraw  from  the 

international    body    and    dissolve    was 
discussed   at    several    meetings,   it   was 

finally     carried,     and     the     Springfield 

local  became  a  memory. 

The    old    argument     so    often    put 

forward    that    a    man    need    not    belong 

to  a  union  to  secure  good  wages,  heard 

todav   as   well   as   in   the  early  days  ot 

the   formation  of  unions,   found  a  gal- 
lery   then,    but    the    disbanding    ot    the 

local      was     quickly      followed     by     a 

reduction  in  wages.     A  dollar  a  thou- 
sand   was    taken    from    one    particular 

brand  in  a   few    weeks.     The  brand  in 

ipiestion     was     reduced     from     $15     a  george    h.    wrenn 

thousand    to    SI  1,    and     within    a     lew        six  Times  President  of  the  Central   Labor 
,  ,  i     ;,,,,.  Union;  a   Leader  in   Labor 

months     the     same     cigai      was     heing  Progress. 

manufactured    for    $5.50    a    thousand. 

Conditions  went  from  bad  to  worse  and  a  few  members  of  the  old  local 
got  into  communication  with  the  international  body  with  the  idea  ot  reviving 
the  union  and  securing  a  continuation  of  the  charter,  and  allowing  the  seceders 
to  remain  outside  if  they  wished.  The  faithful  few  did  not  meet  with  much 
consideration  from  the  -powers  that  be."  as  they  were  informed  that  the  only 
condition  upon  which  the  charter  could  he  continued  to  them  was  the  paying 
up  of  all  overdue  assessments,  and  as  these  assessments  amounted  to  S|o  or 
SIl'  ill  some  individual  cases,  the  matter  was  dropped.  The  charter  thus  went 
by   default    in    lS|5. 

•■•lis  an   ill   wind   that   blows  nobody   good"  is  a   phrase  as  old  as  the   hdb 


d   it    proved  true   in   the  case  of   the   local   cigarmakcrs. 


for  out  of  the  ruins 
,,f  another  strike  came  the  reorganization  of  the  Springfield  nun.  Two  years 
after  the  loss  ,,i  the  charier  the  -real  tenement  house  strike  in  New  York 
Cit\    was  inaugurated.      Wages   were  cut    to  a   minimum   point   and  about    four 


?'(i  Central  Labor  Union   History 

fifths  of  the  cigars  produced  in  New  York  City  were  produced  in  tenement 
houses.     The  strike  started  in  the  shop  of  Frederick    I  )e   Barry,  in   August  of 

ls77.  and  extended  to  a  point  where  the  struggle  was  concentrated  against 
the  continuation  of  thirty-two  manufacturers.  Over  7,000  men  were  out  of 
work,  and  the  deadlock  lasted  for  107  days.  While  it  was  not  entirely  suc- 
cessful, it  taught  the  cigar  makers  all  over  the  country  the  necessity  of 
organization  and  the  value  of  having  a  reserve  fund.  The  strike  was  cor- 
dially endorsed  by  the  local  men,  though  they  were  without  the  official  pale, 
and  a  meeting  called  by  a  few  interested  ones,  who  had  never  given  up  the 
idea  of  reorganizing,  resulted  in  a  discussion  of  the  trouble  in  the  big  city 
and  the  need  of  rendering  assistance  to  their  brethren  there.  A  sum  of  $50 
was  raised  as  the  result  of  that  meeting  and  forwarded  to  help  the  struggle 
along,  and  it  was  agreed  to  take  up  collections  weekly  till  the  fight  was  either 
won  or  abandoned. 

This  meeting  was  productive  of  good,  for  the  discussion  resulted  in  the 
decision  to  reorganize,  and  a  charter  was  applied  for.  ninety  members  signi- 
fying their  allegiance  to  the  new  body.  Twenty  members  of  one  local  shop, 
however,  wished  to  remain  an  independent  local  and  refused  to  take  any  share 
in  the  new  movement.  Fritz  Roeder  was  elected  president  and  E.  Gerke 
treasurer.  A.  Huck  took  over  the  duties  of  recording  and  corresponding 
secretary,  but  he  only  filled  that  position  for  a  month,  and  was  then  succeeded 
by  William  Wrightmeyer.  The  answer  of  the  international  body  to  the 
application  for  the  charter  was  that  in  consideration  of  the  financial  support 
rendered  to  Xew  York  strikers  by  the  unorganized  Springfield  men.  the  new 
charter  would  be  as  the  original  one  issued  in  1805. 

Trouble  came  immediately  upon  the  issue  of  the  charter,  for  an  intimation 
was  received  from  Xew  York  that  a  firm  in  this  city  was  furnishing  cigars 
to  one  of  the  non-union  shops  in  Xew  York  City.  This  could  not  be  adjusted 
and  the  newly  formed  local  found  itself  compelled  to  finance  a  strike  just 
when  things  semed  to  be  running  smoothly.  This  strike  continued  for  eleven 
weeks,  and  the  members  were  assessed  in  per  cent  weekly  to  support  the 
men  out  of  work  as  the  result  of  the  strike.  Support  was  weak  and  many 
members  refused  to  submit  to  the  assessment,  and  the  result  was  suspension. 
The  union's  ranks  were  sadly  depleted,  only  thirteen  remaining  on  the  roll 
free  from  suspension,  while  only  six  of  these  remained  in  good  standing 
throughout.  The  names  of  the  men  standing  by  the  local  are  worth  recording, 
but  it  would  be  unfair  to  discriminate  those  who  fell  behind  in  their  dues,  and 
so  the  names  of  the  faithful  thirteen  are  here  reproduced:  William  Wright- 
meyer, William  Fowler,  M.  Paquette,  Fdward  Magargal.  L.  Schad,  Charles 
Waldorf.  Charles  La  Yiolette,  Charles  Spencer.  J.  Doumy.  F.  Allen,  F.  Weihe, 
11.  Moore  and  lames  Londigon.  the  latter  being  admitted  by  traveling  card 
from  Westfield  at  this  time.  Of  this  number,  two  were  employed  at  W.  II. 
Wright's,  one  at  Stebbins'  and  the  balance  at  Simpson's  shops.  The  open 
shop  was  then  in  full  blast,  and  the  result  was  that  the  employer  paid  such 
wages  as  he  saw  lit.  and  it  was  not  an  uncommon  sight  to  see  non-union  and 
union  men  working  on  the  same  job,  seated  alongside  each  other,  though  the 
union  man  received  $\2  a  thousand  for  his  work,  while  the  non-union  man  onl\ 
received  $7  for  the  same  class  of  work.  Still,  the  latter  could  not  be  induced 
to  see  tbe  advantage  of  organization,  and  he  refused  to  surrender  bis  so-called 
libertv   to   obtain   tin-   increased   scale   that    he  could   <ret   bv   carrving  a   card   in 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


his  pocket.  The  strike  was  lost,  and  as  many  men  were  being  drafted  into 
the  city  to  take  the  places  of  the  strikers,  the  union  ordered  the  men  hack 
to  work.  Financially,  the  local  was  now  in  had  shape  and  a  meeting  was 
called  of  all,  delinquents  as  well  as  good  men,  and  all  indebtedness  was 
canceled  and  the  weak  ones  again  affiliated  with  the  local. 

In  1879  the  international  fixed  the  dues  at  3f>  cents  monthly,  but  Xo.  1!> 
voted  to  make  the  dues  10  cents  weekly,  and  thus  form  the  nucleus  of  a  sick 
benefit,  which  carried  a  sum  of  $4  a  week  during  disability.  This  was  the 
genesis  of  a  plan  proposed  at  the  international  convention  held  at  Chicago 
the  following  year  and  which  was  adopted  by  that  body.  Charles  Rawbone 
had  the  distinction  of  being  the  delegate  from  this  body  to  the  Chicago  con- 
vention, and  through  him  Xo.  40  had  the  honor  of  initiating  the  sick  benefit 
in  an  international  sense.  Mr.  Raw- 
bone,  besides  being  the  first  delegate 
sent  by  the  local  cigar  makers  to  any 
convention,  was  the  first  president 
of  the  Massachusetts  Branch  of  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor  and 
was  instrumental  in  organizing  the 
local  painters  and  decorators,  besides 
serving  as  president  of  the  Central 
Labor   Union  in  its  early  days. 

Prior  to  this  convention  a  label 
to  distinguish  union-made  cigars  had 
been  adopted  by  the  locals  on  the 
Pacific  coast.  The  emblem  was  white. 
signifying  that  the  work  had  been 
done  by  white  labor  as  opposed  to  that 
produced  by  the  Chinese  largely  em- 
ployed in  San  Francisco.  In  1H7'S  the 
cigar  makers  oi  St.  bonis  adopted  a 
label,  red  in  color,  and  at  the  Chicago 
convention  the  present  label  was 
adopted,  with  a  few  slight  changes. 
and    the    blue    label,    now    so    familiar 

and   which   has  done   so   much    for  the 

■ l    >„       11  ,111  CHARLES   RAWBONE 

cigai    maker   all    oxer   the    land,    came 

into  general  use.  It  was  not  used  Ex-President  of  the  Central  Labor  Union 
much  locally,  however,  until  the  Knights  of  Labor,  whose  growth  was  verv 
rapid  at  this  time,  began  creating  a  demand  for  it.  That  body,  too,  issued  a 
label,  and  from  this  time  on  both  labels  appeared  on  a  box  of  cigars  made 
under  lair  conditions.  The  impetus  given  by  this  double  label  was  great  and 
on  the  reduction  of  the  inland  revenue  tax  to  $.'!  a  thousand,  matters  began 
to  boom  lor  the  local.  The  union  then  prepared  and  submitted  a  new  scale 
of  prices,  calling  for  an  increase  of  from  ."><)  cents  to  SI  a  thousand,  according 
to  quality.  Sonic  of  the  smaller  shops  acceded  to  the  demand,  two  of  the  large 
shops  holding  out.  A  strike  resulted,  and  this  was  successful.  Later  on  an 
effort  was  made  by  sour-  of  the  manufacturers  to  reduce  this  scale  on  the  five 
cent  goods,  but  it  was  merely  a  flash  in  the  pan,  so  to  speak,  as  one  of  tin- 
largest   oi   the   shops   refused   to   join   in   the   movement. 


rS 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


The  delegates  to  the  Cincinnati  convention  in  1885  were  successful  in 
legislation  on  the  question  of  hours.  It  was  ordered  that  from  the  1st  of 
January,  lNSii,  to  the  1st  of  May.  the  same  year,  the  hours  of  lahor  recog- 
nized by  unions  he  nine,  and  with  that  few  months'  notice  that  eight  hours 
g<>  into  effect  on  May  day.  Once  again  was  the  local  nearly  wrecked;  much 
feeling  and  bitterness  was  created,  but  wise  counsels  prevailed,  and  at  this 
date  all  agree  that  the  cigar  makers'  lot  has  been  vastly  improved  by  the 
reduction  in  hours.  This  change  in  the  hours  of  labor  brought  into  existence 
another  combination  of  seeeders,  who  started  an  organization  styled  the  Pro- 
gressives. They  gained  a  strong  foothold  in  Xew  York  City  and.  reaching 
out.  established  a  local  in  the  city  of  Springfield.  It  was  here  known  as  No. 
1"»T.  It  was,  however,  finally  absorbed  by  Xo.  49,  after  secret  cuts  in  the  scale 
that  led  to  a  strike.  Two  linns  of  manufacturers  only  employed  the  Pro- 
gressives; one  surrendered  to  the  local  and  the  other  moved  away  and  has 
since  gone  out  of  existence. 

The  local  was  continually  looking  to  the  improvement  of  the  wage  scale, 
and  in  1S!)()  a  mutual  agreement  between  the  employers  and  the  local  secured 
an  increase  in  the  bill  of  prices :  this  was  at  a  standstill  then  until  I'.mi:;,  when 
another  raise  was  obtained.  The  truck  system,  or  the  taking  of  manufac- 
tured goods  in  lieu  of  wages,  never  became  very  general  in  this  locality;  still. 


f  the  Cigar  Makers'  Imernjuonjl  Union  Of  Amenta. 

Union-made  Cigars. 

tt»a»  C^irt  xa  ill  MK*jn  OKutajt  m  WH 

■  mini    u^o«i»»m<rfb«)»o«i»»art»«i»l»» 


it  did  exist,  and  efforts  were  directed  toward  stamping  out  this  evil.  Success 
finally  crowned  their  efforts  and  the  agreement  now  calls  for  the  payment  of 
cash  for  wages,  weekly,  and  under  no  circumstances  must  anything  else  be 
accepted  by  any   workman. 

The  improvement  in  the  scale  of  prices  over  former  days  mentioned  has 
been  gradual  and  is  substantially  from  $o  to  $.S  a  thousand. 

The  financial  side  of  the  local  has  always  been  carefully  handled  and  the 
benefits  were  such  that  the  holding  of  a  cigar  makers'  card  meant  security 
and  little  necessity  for  financial  worry.  True,  the  dues  have  advanced  and 
the  assessments  have  at  times  been  heavy,  but  who  shall  say  that  it  has  not 
been  worth  while?  In  1SS0  the  dues  were  10  cents  a  week  and  the  initiation 
fee  one  dollar.  At  the  end  of  that  year  the  dues  were  increased  to  \->  cents 
weekly  and  the  initiation  fee  was  raised  to  $3.  A  year  later  the  weekly 
payment  was  raised  to  :_'<>  cents,  the  initiation  fee  remaining  the  same,  and 
thus  the  fees  stood  for  nine  years.  On  the  1st  of  fanuary,  1n!M),  the  dues 
were  again  increased  to  m2~t  cents  a  week  and  seven  years  later  the  final  increase 
came  to  .'in  cents  a  week.  This  is  not  a  heavy  toll,  considering  the  benefits 
to  be  derived  from  the  treasury.  There  is  a  sick  benefit  of  $.">  weekly,  main- 
tained for  a  period  oi  thirteen  weeks:  an  out-of-work  benefit  of  $•*>,  which 
i-  paid  for  periods  covering  six  months  of  the  year;  a  strike  benefit  of  $.">  a 
week  for  sixteen  weeks  and  $.'<  a  week  for  a  further  sixteen  weeks.  In  addition 
to  these,  the  local  maintains  a  mortuary  benefit  of  from  $.">0  up  to  $"»;">< I,  accord- 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


ing  to  length  of  membership,  ranging  from  one  to  fifteen  years.  Other  benefits 
include  total  disability,  $50;  a  traveling  loan  system  which  pays  to  tempo- 
rarily embarrassed  members  sums  of  from  $1  to  $20,  winch  can  he  repaid 
on    resuming   work. 

'To  the  patient  work  and  wise  counsels  of  Henry  tlealy  much  of  the  success 
of  the  local  Cigar  Makers'  Union  is  due.  For  a  period  of  eighteen  years  Mr. 
Ilealy  held  the  office  of  recording  and  corresponding  secretary  of  the  local. 
Many  other  good  servants  have  served  the  local,  hut  Mr.  1  leak's  record  will 
stand  for  many  years.  The  union  has  always  taken  active  interest  in  all 
movements  pertaining  to  the  uplift  of  the  worker,  .and  its  old  members  were 
mainly  instrumental  in  the  creation  of  the  Central  Labor  Union.  The  com- 
mittee chosen  by  the  cigar  makers  in  18K(>  worked  along  these  lines  for  a  year 
before  a  strike  of  tailors  led  to  the  combination  of  locals  that  were  responsible 
for  the  initial  meeting  of  the  Federated  Trades.  The  first  meeting  of  the 
Central  Labor  Union,  noted  elsewhere  in  this  bock,  took  place  in  1SS?',  and  the 
cigar  makers  sent  as  delegates  Bishop  X.  Saitus.  Charles  Rawbone,  Jeremiah 
Mahoney  and  Charles  Spencer.  These  were  elected  July  11,  1S!S?'.  Of  these 
four,  the  first-named  three  were  honored  in  turn  by  election  to  the  presidency 
of  that  body  and  Mr.  Spencer  setwed  as  recording  secretary.  The  cigar  makers 
have  been  represented  in  the  body  without  any  break  to  the  present  day. 

Lfforts  to  organize  the  tobacco  strippers  were  inaugurated  on  April  11. 
lNS(i,  but  it  was  not  until  February  of  11)02  that  these  efforts  were  crowned 
with  success,  committees  having  been  appointed,  disbanded  and  reappointed 
during  this  time. 

The  cigar  makers  claim  to  he  the  first  local  to  recognize  what  i>  now  known 
as  Labor  Day.  It  was  in  1SSI5  that  an  appeal  came  from  the  striking  teleg 
raphers  for  assistance.  A  donation  of  $1"  was  sent  and  a  committee  appointed 
to  hold  a  picnic  on  their  behalf,  with  the  view  of  raising  revenue  to  further 
their  cause.  The  picnic  was  duly  held  and  the  sum  of  $'••_  was  cleared  from 
this  source  and  forwarded  to  the  fund  being  gathered  to  assCt  the  striking 
telegraphers.  The  following  year  Labor  Day  came  into  existence  as  a  national 
holidav,  and  it   was  observed  in  this  city  bv  a  parade  and  picnic. 

The  cigar  makers  have  ever  been  to  the  fore  in  office  in  the  Central  body, 
and  the  following  members  of  Xo.  1'.'  have  been  elected  at  various  times  to 
officiate: 

['residents — Bishop  X.  Saitus,  Charles  Rawbone,  ( leorge  \\  ruin,  leremiah 
Mahoney. 

Recording  and  Corresponding  Secretaries — Otto  Mache,  Ceorge  Vinccus. 
Jeremiah    Mahoney,    William   J.    Murphy. 

leremiah    Mahoney    was   the  only   member   ol    the   local   to   be   elected   to   an 
international    office,    he    being    selected    a--    seventh    vice  president    ami    serving 
in   the  years   1SS-1-S.">.      lie  was  also  elected    from  the  international   a.-  delegate 
to    the    American    Federation    oi    Labor    at    the    following   conventions:     Ring 
hamton,   in    lss<  :    Xew    York,   in    lsv'.'. 

The  benefits  paid  out  to  members  in  the  aggregate  arc  enormous,  and.  with 
a  local  membership  of  IJ.Vi  on  March  I.  I!)  12.  the  -lck  benefits  alone  excot d 
$10  a  week.      The  local  has  ever  been  liberal  in  helping  a  wurthv  cause,  whether 


80 


Central   Laisor   Union    History 


the  beneficiary  <>r  beneficiaries  were  members  of  a  trade  union  or  not,  and  have 
levied  many  local  assessments  in  aid  of  distress. 
The   present    hoard   of   officers    is: 

President — James    Londigon. 

First  Vice-President — J.  J.  Courtney. 

Second  Vice-President — S.  Vercspy. 

Recording  and  Corresponding  Secretary — J.  \Y.   Russell. 

Secretary-Treasurer — P.  II.  Sheehan. 

Label  Secretary — William  McCarthy. 

Executive    Board — E.    Magargal,    II.    Smith.    J.    (ireen,    S.    Ihier,    ( '. 
Rawbone. 


Tailors — 1886-1912 


One  of  the  little  band  of  four  unions  that  were  instrumental  in  starting 
the  movement  that  led  to  the  inauguration  of  the  Federated  Trades,  from  which 
developed  the  present  Central  Labor  Union,  was  the  Journeymen  Tailors' 
Union,  Xo.  20,  and  very  proud  of  this  fact  are  its  members.  As  stated  in  the 
opening  pages  of  this  volume,  the  wretched  conditions  under  which  these  men 
were  working  was  responsible  for  the  meeting  that  led  up  to  the  parent  body. 
Early  in  1SSG  the  tailors  woke  to  the  realization  that  their  lot  was  anything 
but  enviable,  for  the  remuneration  they  were  receiving  for  their  labor  was  far 
less  than  that  paid  in  other  cities  of  the  same  size,  and,  in  fact,  in  the  cities 
and  towns  surrounding  Springfield. 
Dissatisfaction  was  rampant  and  the 
topics  of  conversation  wherever  tai- 
lors met  were  the  long  hours,  poor 
wages  and  other  conditions  pertaining 
to  the  trade. 

At  last  a  call  came  for  journeymen 
tailors  to  meet  on  the  evening  of  Feb- 
ruary 8.  1886,  in  the  store  kept  by 
Valentine  Fwig.  at  the  corner  of 
Stockbridge  and  Main  streets.  This 
meeting  was  a  very  enthusiastic  one 
and  organization  was  at  once  effected. 
Little  was  done  except  organization 
for  the  first  twelve  months:  then,  in 
1887,  the  little  body  of  men  represent- 
ing Xo.  2H  formulated  a  new  scale  of 
prices  and  presented  them  to  the  mas- 
ter tailors.  These  gentlemen  not  only 
refused  the  demands,  but  absolutely 
refused  to  recognize  the  union  in  any 
shape  or  form.  A  deadlock  ensued, 
culminating  in  a  strike  which  lasted 
four  months.  The  struggle  was  bitter 
on  both  sides,  but  the  men  stood  to 
their  guns  and  in  September  finally 
won  the  tight,  the  employers  agreeing 
to  the  demands,  thus  ending  the  first  and  hardest  struggle  in  the  history  of 
the  local. 

Two  vears  later  further  increase  of  pay  was  sought  bv  the  local,  and  the 
lesson  of  the  strike  was  so  recent  that  the  merchants  granted  the  new  price 
scale  without  demur.  For  four  years  the  knights  ot  the  needle  pursued  the 
even  tenor  of  their  way,  not  a  cloud  showing  on  their  horizon:  then  suddenly, 
like  a  bolt  from  the  blue,  came  the  news,  in  June.  l.^s*.  that  one  of  the  largest 
employers  of  their  particular  kind  of  help  was  planning  to  run  a  non-union 
establishment.  A  strike  immediately  resulted  and  negotiations  for  conciliation 
failed.     Four  weary  months  of  idleness  resulted  and  the  importation  of  strike- 


AUGUST    A.    NAUMANN 

Of  the   Tailors'   Union   and    Member  of  An- 
niversary   Committee 


8:2  Central  Labor  Union  History 

breakers  by  the  employers  was  a  serious  setback  for  Xo.  2<i  and,  as  funds  were 
running  low,  they  compromised  and  called  the  strike  off  in  September.  The 
firm  ran  an  open  shop  for  three  years,  and,  new  negotiations  being  opened  with 
the  union,  the  latter  were  successful  in  obtaining  a  new  agreement  with  them, 
since  when  there  has  not  been  the  slightest  semblance  of  trouble. 

Last  year  was  full  of  good  results  for  the  tailors,  the  most  important 
achievement  being  the  reception  into  the  fold  of  the  trousers  and  vest  makers, 
a  consummation  which  had  long  been  desired,  but  till  this  time  never  effected. 
The  advent  of  this  branch  of  the  craft  into  their  ranks  greatly  strengthened 
the  union,  and  another  increase  of  wages  was  sought  and  secured. 

The  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  the  local  was  celebrated  with  a  banquet 
at  the  Highland  Hotel  and  was  an  event  long  to  be  remembered. 

Local  Xo.  20  is  affiliated  with  the  Journevmen  Tailors'  Union  of  America. 
as  well  as  with  the  American  Federation  of  Labor. 


Metal  Polishers- A  Notable  Victory 


Among  the  first  combinations  of  workmen  to  affiliate  with  the  Knights  of 
Labor  when  that  body  was  the  ruling  organization  in  the  labor  world  was  the 
Metal  Polishers.  Buffers  and  and  kindred  crafts.  Later,  on  its  formation  in 
1SSG,  many  of  the  locals  affiliated  with  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  and 
the  several  branches  of  the  crafts  were  amalgamated  into  one  organization, 
constituting  an   important  section  of  the  leading  international  body. 

The  Metal  Polishers,  Buffers,  Platers,  Brass  and  Silver  Workers'  Union  of 
Xorth  America  was  formed  in  Syra- 
cuse, X.  Y.,  in  [uly,  1896.  and  when  a 
combination  was  effected  between  the 
Metal  Polishers,  Buffers  and  Platers' 
International  Union  of  Xorth  Amer- 
ica and  the  United  Brotherhood  of 
Brass  and  Composition  Metal  Work- 
ers. Polishers  and  Buffers,  these  two 
bodies  became  affiliated  with  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor,  as- 
suming the  name  by  which  the  or- 
ganization is  now  known.  The  head- 
quarters of  the  international  body  are 
in  the  Xeave  building,  Cincinnati,  and 
the  international  officers  are:  Presi- 
dent, T.  M.  Daly ;  vice-presidents, 
George  Leary.  A.  J.  Becker,  F.  Leber- 
man.  James  Daar,  John  J.  Flynn ; 
general  secretary,  Charles  R.  Ath- 
erton. 

Nearly  seventeen  years  ago,  about 
thirty  local  men  working  at  this  par- 
ticular trade  met.  on  the  initiative  of 
the  Central  Labor  Union,  in  their  hall, 
which  at  that  time  was  in  the  building 
now  occupied  by  the  Harvey  &  Lewis 
Company,  and  were  organized  into  a 
local  as  the  Metal  Polishers,  Buffers  and  Platers  by  International  President 
T.  M.  Daly,  valuable  assistance  having  been  rendered  by  George  H.  Wrenn  of 
the  Central  Labor  Union. 

Thomas  Corcoran  was  chosen  as  chairman  and  Edward  Fitzgerald  as 
recording  secretary  of  the  meeting,  and  the  following  officers  were  elected: 
President,  Henry  R.  Morrissey ;  vice-president.  Thomas  Corcoran:  recording 
secretary.  Edward  Fitzgerald:  financial  secretary  and  treasurer,  William  F. 
Gamble;  guardian,  J.  Tierney;  delegates  to  the  Central  Labor  I  nion.  Charles 
I  [art  and  John  Leyden. 

In  the  Labor  Day  parade  of  1805  the  newly  organized  union  made  its  first 
public  appearance,  being  joined  by  their  sister  union,  local  Xo.  27  of  Chicopee 
Falls.  At  a  later  date  the  same  year  they  initiated  their  annual  ball  in  Graves' 
Hall,  and  the  event  was  a  complete  success.  The  union's  first  delegate  to  the 
international    convention    was    I.    f.    O'Brien,    who    went    to    that    function    in 


H.   R.    MORRISSEY 
President   of  the    Metal    Polishers'   Union 


S4 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


Syracuse  in  1  896,  when  the  local  body  obtained  a  new  charter,  assuming  the 
title  of  Metal  Polishers.  Buffers,  Platers,  Brass  and  Silver  Workers'  Union, 
Xo.  30.  The  names  appearing  on  that  charter  are  John  P.  Sheehan,  Mark 
Crawford,  John  Travnor,  Dominick  Hart,  John  Sheehan,  Martin  Flaherty  and 
C.  G.  Hart. 

As  has  been  stated,  George  H.  Wrenn  from  the  Central  Labor  Union  had 
been  of  valuable  assistance  to  the  new  body,  and  his  advice  was  sought  in  the 

matter  of  affiliation  with  the  Central 
Labor  union.  The  necessity  of  such 
affiliation  had  been  pointed  out  in 
order  to  elevate  the  status  of  the 
craftsmen  and  protect  their  interests. 
At  that  time  the  contract  system  was 
very  much  in  vogue  in  this  district, 
and  the  men  hoped  by  combined  effort 
to  effect  its  abolition.  They  were  suc- 
cessful in  this  in  so  far  as  their  par- 
ticular craft  was  concerned.  The 
operation  of  polishing  and  buffing  pro- 
duced a  metallic  dust  which  was  very 
injurious  to  the  lungs.  The  wheels 
are  made  of  various  kinds  of  leather, 
felt,  cloth  and  emery,  running  at  the 
high  speed  of  3,500  revolutions  a 
minute.  The  combination  of  unions 
throughout  the  State  effected  legisla- 
tion to  prevent,  as  far  as  possible,  the 
injurious  effects  of  the  dust  thrown 
oft'  by  these  wheels,  and  a  law  was 
enacted  providing  for  the  installation 
of  blow  pipes  to  the  machines.  This 
was  probably  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant victories  ever  won  by  a  labor 
organization,  and  has  been  the  means 
of  prolonging  many  lives  beyond  the  period  ordinarily  enjoyed  by  the  metal 
worker.  Prior  to  the  enactment  of  this  legislation,  not  a  single  blower  had 
been  in  existence  in  this  vicinity  and  fully  90  per  cent  of  the  mortality  among 
the  metal  workers  up  to  this  time  had  been  due  to  tuberculosis.  This  percent- 
age has  been  reduced  by  this  improvement  to  25  per  cent  and  probably  less,  but 
the  deadly  metallic  dust  still  claims  its  victims.  This  victory  was  won  after  a 
strenuous  fight  in  the  Legislature  against  heavy  opposition,  and  involved  a 
heavy  expenditure  by  the  unions  affected.  This  was,  however,  cheerfully  paid. 
Since  then  the  hours  of  labor  have  been  reduced  from  ten  to  nine,  and  the 
remuneration  had  been  materially  increased. 

Among  the  results  of  organization  have  been  the  marked  improvement  in 
discipline  in  the  shops,  which  has  benefited  both  employer  and  employe,  and  a 
great  change  for  the  better  in  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  various  workrooms, 
which  has  enabled  the  men  to  keep  themselves  in  better  condition  for  their 
work,  increasing  the  production  and  producing  a  much  higher  grade  of 
workmanship. 


T.    CORCORAN 


Vice-President     of     the     Metal 
Union 


Polishers' 


Jz 


•^  <1  Dj  <1 


2 


— '■ 
o 


8G  Central   Labor   Union   History 


The  metal  polishers,  apart  from  the  fight  for  the  blow  pipe,  have  had  few 
disputes  with  the  employer  of  labor,  and  these  have,  for  the  most  part,  been 
settled  amicably,  and  at  the  present  time  the  relations  between  capital  and 
labor,  so  far  as  they  are  concerned,  are  peaceful,  both  in  a  local  and  a  national 
sense. 

The  membership  of  Xo.  30  is  now  about  200,  and  their  interests  are  dili- 
gently looked  after  by  their  chosen  representatives.  The  union  maintains  a 
graduated  death  benefit,  as  follows:  $50  for  one  year's  membership  in  good 
standing;  $100  for  a  member  with  two  years'  good  standing,  and  thereafter 
an  increase  of  $25  for  each  year,  until  the  death  benefit  shall  reach  the  sum 
of  $200,  this  being  reached  when  a  member  has  held  a  card  for  ten  years 
without  a  blemish. 

The  officers  in  the  present  year  of  grace  are :  President,  P.  J.  Markley ; 
vice-president,  S.  M.  Berard ;  recording  secretary,  Hector  St.  Cyr ;  financial 
secretary  and  treasurer.  P.  J.   Sullivan;  guardian,  M.   F.  Fitzpatrick. 

The  photographs  reproduced  are  those  of  the  first  president  and  vice- 
president  of  the  local. 


Sitting  in  front  of  a  show,  the  spectator  gives  little  thought  to  the  man 
behind,  even  if  he  is  aware  of  his  existence.  But  it  is  the  man  behind  the 
scene  that  can  make  or  mar  a  show.  Make  it,  providing  the  show  is  up  to 
the  standard,  mar  it  by  incompetence.  The  slightest  error  on  the  part  of  the 
scene  shifter  or  property  man.  and  the  show  is  made  a  laughing  stock.  That 
these  errors  rarely  occur  is  due  to  the  competence  of  the  scene  shifter,  who 
is  oftener  than  not  a  member  of  the  International  Alliance  of  Theatrical  Stage 
Employes  of  the  United  States  and  Canada. 

Competency  is  a  desideratum,  nay,  an  absolute  necessity,  before  he  can 
obtain  membership  in  this  important  body.  His  remuneration  for  his  hard 
work  does  not  compare  favorably  with  that  of  many  crafts,  but  his  skill  in 
handling  the  heavy  scenery  and  the  facility  with  which  he  juggles  it  into  its 
proper  place  is  marvelous,  and  he  is  as  necessary  to  the  show  as  the  highest- 
paid  artiste  that  waits  his  cue  in  the  wings. 


Springfield  Local.  Xo.  53,  of  the  International  Alliance  of  Theatrical  Stage 
Employes  of  the  United  States  and  Canada  was  organized,  curious  to  relate. 
in  Holyoke,  the  first  meeting  for  that  purpose  being  called  in  that  city  on 
January  2.  1898,  the  following  men  being  present  and  being  selected  to  serve 
as  the  first  officers  until  such  time  as  a  charter  could  be  obtained  from  head- 
quarters : 

President — Charles  E.  Wheeler  of  Holvoke. 
Recording  Secretary — Xapoleon  Gill  of  Springfield. 
Treasurer — L.  C.  Pickett  of  Springfield. 
Financial  Secretary — \Y.  J.  McLaughlin  of  Holvoke. 

The  initiation  fee  was  fixed  at  this  meeting  at  $1.50;  this  has  been  raised 
hv  degrees  till  now  it  costs  a  stage  hand  $:!.">  to  become  a  member  of  that 
important   body. 

'['wo  weeks  after  its  formation  the  local  sent  to  the  national  bodv  for  a 
charter,  this  being  granted  at  the  next  national  convention.  At  the  meeting 
at  which  the  charter  was  applied  for  the  following  regular  group  of  officers 
was  cho>en  to  serve  six  months: 

President— C.    F.    Wheeler    of   Holvoke. 
Vice-President — Albert    Lamachc    of    Holyoke. 
Financial   Secretary — Xapoleon   Gill  of  Springfield. 
Recording  Secretary — O.  L.  Dresser  of  Springfield. 
Treasurer — L.    C.    Pickett   of   Springfield. 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


Executive  Board — F.  C.  McCarthy  of  Springfield. 

H.  L.  Wilkinson  of  Springfield. 

L.  P.  Clark  of  Springfield. 

S.  Marrs  of  Holyoke. 

F.  H.  Morrill  of  Springfield. 
Guide — D.  L.  Morse  of  Springfield. 
Business  Agent — F.   C.  McCarthy  of  Springfield. 

The  meetings  were  arranged  for  the  third  Sunday  in  each  month  in 
Springfield,  a  room  being  engaged  for  this  purpose  in  the  old  Homer  Foot 
block  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  State  streets. 

On  the  opening  of  the  theatrical  season  in  1890  the  local  presented  its 
first  demand  on  the  managers  of  the  several  theaters  for  a  new  schedule,  and 
after  some  controversy  obtained  what  they  went  out  for  and,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a  few  changes,  the  scale  is  in  existence  today,  harmony  reigning 
between  the  managers  and  the  union. 

In  September,  1901,  the  Holyoke  members  sought  permission  to  form  a 
separate  local,  and  permission  was  granted  by  No.  53  for  the  application  of 
a  separate  charter.  This  was  obtained  and  Holyoke  Local,  Xo.  89,  came  into 
existence,  as  an  offshoot  of  No.  53. 

The  stage  hands  then  found  it  necessary  to  make  an  attempt  to  organize 
the  moving  picture  operators,  of  which  there  was  an  ever-increasing  number 
coming  into  existence.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  secure  applications 
and  formulate  a  working  scale  of  wages  for  that  branch  of  the  craft.  The 
committee  secured  almost  all  the  men  employed  in  Springfield  theaters  and 
on  February  20,  1910,  having  secured  sufficient  names,  applied  for  a  charter 
for  the  moving  picture  men.  Thus  came  into  being  Local  Xo.  186,  and  the 
stage  hands  can  claim  to  have  been  instruments  for  much  good  in  the  theatrical 
world.  The  local  has  at  the  present  time  about  fifty  members,  about  one-third 
of  whom  are  road  men — that  is,  traveling  with  various  companies,  the  balance 
being  employed  as  regular  and  extra  men  in  the  Court  Square.  Poli's,  Xelson, 
Gilmore,  Plaza  and  Bijou  theaters,  which  are  all  recognized  as  union  houses. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  F.  C.  McCarthy,  appointed  as  business  agent 
for  the  local  at  the  first  meeting,  has  held  that  position  with  considerable  credit 
to  the  present  time.     The  present  officers  of  the  local  are : 

President — D.  A.  Haggerty. 

Vice-President — Paul   Davis,    who    is   also   President   of   the   Central 

Labor  Union. 
Secretary-Treasurer — John  L.  Dickinson. 
Sergeant-at-Arms — William   Meldrum. 
Business  Agent — F.  C.  McCarthy. 
Executive  Board — Edward  McCarthy. 

W.  T.  Casey. 

D.  L.  Morse. 
Delgeates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

D.  A.  Haggertv. 

W.  W.  Barker.' 

W.  T.  Casey. 

Arthur  Shaw. 

Edward  McCarthy. 


Moving  Picture  Operators 


How  many  people  visiting  the  various  places  of  amusement  in  any  city  and 
noticing  the  star-shaped  emblem  thrown  on  the  screen  by  the  moving-picture 
operator  have  ever  given  it  a  thought?  Most  of  the  spectators,  and  the 
majority  of  good  union  men,  too,  do  not  know  the  meaning  of  the  emblem 
and  could  not  translate  the  hieroglyphics  for  their  lives.  The  emblem,  here 
reproduced,  is  the  high  sign  of  the  Moving  Picture  Operators'  Union,  the 
number  in  the  center  being  the  designation  of  the  local.  The  letters  in  the 
five  points  of  the  star  stand  for  "International  .Alliance  of  Theatrical  Stage 
Employes."  The  symbol  is  an  emblem  of  efficiency  and  the  badge  of  a  union 
house  and  an  operator  of  the  moving  picture  machine  that  has  been  proved 
worthy  to  look  after  the  interests  of  both  his  employer  and  the  audience  that 
is  in  the  house.  Time  was  when  the  operator  of  a  moving  picture  machine 
carried  his  own  life  in  his  hands  and  also  the  lives  of  the  people  watching  the 
show.  The  inflammability  of  the  film,  the  many  methods  of  illuminating,  and 
the  slightest  carelessness,  all  added  a  spice  of  danger  to  the  man  in  the  booth, 
and  stories  are  not  wanting  of  many 
a  here  lie  act  that  has  saved  human 
life.  Safety  devices,  expert  oversight 
and  state  examination  of  apparatus 
and  fireproofing  of  booths  have  re- 
duced the  dangers  to  a  minimum,  and 
rarely,  nowadays,  is  there  any  acci- 
dent. But  the  story  of  Local  180  is 
a  very  brief  one.  The  union  has  been 
in  existence  but  two  years,  although 
as  early  as  three  years  ago  the  handful 
of  moving  picture  operators  in  the 
district  were  taken  under  the  shelter- 
ing wing  of  Stage  Hands  Xo.  53.  To 
that  local  the  moving  picture  men 
owe  a  debt  of  gratitude,  for  the  little 

band   was   carefully    fostered   by    the   guiding   hands   of   Paul    Davis.    Florence 
McCarthy    and    Dan    Haggerty. 

So  rapidly  did  the  moving  picture  houses  multiply,  that  early  in  1010  the 
operators  applied  for  and  obtained  a  charter  of  their  own.  the  precious  docu- 
ment being  received  from  the  International  Alliance  on  Mav  1!J  of  that  year, 
the  new  local  starting  out  with  a  membership  of  sixteen. 

The  officers  elected  at  the  first  meeting  were:  President,  Henrv  Schoch ; 
vice-president.  William  Lewis ;  secretary  and  treasurer,  George  Hill;  executive 
board.  Ldwin  Webber  and  William  Phelps;  guardian.  Homer  Ducharme.  with 
Paul  Davis  as  business  agent.  Prom  a  membership  of  sixteen  the  body  has 
grown  till,  today,  there  is  a  membership  of  fortv,  everv  one  an  expert,  for 
there  is  no  room  lor  incompetents  in  this  line  of  business.  The  union  operator 
of  Massachusetts  i>  strictly  tinder  the  control  of  the  Massachusetts  district 
police  department  and  must  pass  a  verv  severe  and  searching  examination  at 
the  State  I  louse  in  Boston  before  a  license  to  operate  a  moving  picture  machine 
is  granted  to  him. 

At  the  HH1  convention,  held  at  Xiagara  Falls,  the  local  was  represented 
by  John  F.  (iatelee,  and  \*o.  iMi  was  granted  jurisdiction  over  practicallv  the 
whole  of  Western    Massachusetts,    llolvoke  and    Xorth    Adams  being  excepted. 


Musicians-Melody  and  Harmony 


"The  protection  of  their  common  interests  and  the  enforcement  of  good 
faith  and  fair  dealing  among  its  members"  are.  briefly,  the  objects  that  are  called 

for  in  the  organization  of  Hampden 
County  Musicians'  Protective  Union, 
Xo.  371,  which  is  affiliated  with  the 
American  Federation  of  Musician-, 
and  which  came  into  existence  De- 
cember 15,  1001,  with  272  members. 
The  jurisdiction  of  this  local  includes 
Springfield,  Chicopee  (except  that 
portion  included  in  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Holyoke  local).  Ludlow.  East 
Longmeadow,  Longmeadow.  Aga- 
wam.  West  Springfield,  Wilbraham, 
Monson,  Palmer.  Wales.  Brimfield. 
Hampden.  Mass.,  and  Enfield.  Conn. 
Regular  meetings  are  held  at  Central 
Labor  Union  Hall  on  the  second 
Sundav   of   each   month. 

The  names  appearing  on  the 
charter  are :  Frank  E.  Stacy.  A.  F. 
Jacobs,  W.  R.  Gardner.  Albert  Premo. 
Fred  Sanger.  J.  J.  Haggerty,  L.  \Y. 
Hardy    and    M.    H.    Sumner. 

Local  Xo.  171  succeeded  Local 
Xo.  104,  which  was  in  existence  about 
two  vears  previous,  the  officers  of 
which  were:    T.  J.  Collins,  president; 

Fred    Sanger,   recording   secretary. 


F.    W.    OTTO 
President   of  the   Musicians'    Union 


Charles   A.    Blodgett,   financial    secretan 
and  A.   F.  Jacohs.  treasurer. 

The  first  officers  of  Xo.  171  were: 

President — Frank   F.   Stacy. 

Vice-President — W.  F.  Stebbins. 

Secretary — F.  L.  Seaver. 

Treasurer — C.  A.   Blodgett. 

Sergeant-at-Arms — F.  C.  Holbrook. 

Executive  Board— M.  H.  Sumner.  E.  H.  Elder.  T.  J.  Collins.  Albert 

Premo.   G.    F.   Pearson. 
Examination    Committee— F.    P.    Xutting.    W.    J.    McGarrett.    Arthur 

Amsden. 
Delegates  to   Central   Lahor  Union — A.   Pero.   L.   S.    Baldwin,   W.    L. 

Southland.  T.   B.  Carroll.  G.  V.  Lovely. 
Auditing  Committee— F.  A.   Holden.  C.  H.   Bacon.   Fred  Sanger. 
Relief   Committee— C.   A.   Oakman,   Ora   Atchinson.   W.   O.    Stanton, 

E.    B.    Smith.   Orvill   Wilson.  C.   P.    Ball. 

The  need  of  organization  among  the  musicians  was  brought  about  by  the 
fact  that  there  were  no  settled  prices  for  engagements,  and  those  who  looked 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


91 


into  the  future  realized  that  the  increase  in  the  number  of  performers, 
and  the  competition  likely  to  come  from  a  supply  in  excess  of  the  demand, 
would  bring  about  a  condition  where  the  financial  returns  would  not  com- 
pensate the  musician  for  the  years  of  study  and  hard  practise  necessary  to 
become  and  remain  a  capable  performer.  The  scale  of  prices  agreed  upon 
was  about  what  the  best  orchestras  and  bands  were  receiving  at  this  time, 
and  the  public  has  given   its  sanction  by  its  continued  patronage. 

The  Local  began  its  existence  with  officers  fully  alive  to  the  situation  and 
very   much    interested    in   the   welfare   of   the   profession.     In    fact,    it   can    be 
said   that   the   continued  success   of  Local   171    has  come    from   the   consistent 
work   done   by    those    who    have   been 
honored  by  election  to  offices. 

The  bringing  together  of  nearly 
three  hundred  members  of  the  mu- 
sical profession  in  and  around  Spring- 
field tended  to  wipe  out  imaginary 
grievances  and  misunderstandings, 
which  ever  prevail  among  persons 
engaged  in  the  same  profession  in 
a  city  who  do  not  have  an  acquaint- 
ance with  each  other.  The  meetings 
for  the  first  year  were  of  a  "get 
together"  nature,  and  the  friendship 
and  good  fellowship  which  resulted 
seemed  in  itself  to  justify  the  or- 
ganization. 

Local  171  has  been  the  means 
of  encouraging  development  among 
young  musicians,  as  they  arrive  at 
the  age  at  which  they  are  eligible 
for  membership.  Any  young  man  or 
woman  who  has  arrived  at  the  age 
of  sixteen,  who  passes  the  Board  of 
Examiners  (composed  of  three  mem- 
bers of  the  Local),  is  welcomed  to 
its  ranks,  and  begins  a  career  on 
the  same  scale  of  prices  as  those  who  have  given  years  to  bring  such  a  condi- 
tion about. 

It  has  been  demonstrated  on  more  than  one  occasion  that  Springfield 
musicians  can  give  concerts  that  would  call  forth  the  most  favorable  com- 
ments if  given  in  large  cities  of  the  country.  Twice  during  the  past  few 
years,  the  members  of  the  Local  have  given  sacred  concerts  at  Poli's  theatre 
for  the  sick  fund  of  the  order,  and  on  both  occasions  the  public  has  responded 
by  very  generous  patronage.  Band  and  orchestras  of  nearly  fifty  men.  directed 
by  Messrs.  Cherboneschi,  Janser,  Elder  and  Haggerty,  have  brought  the  highest 
praise  to  the  Musicians'   Union. 

The  Local  is  affiliated  with  the  Central  Labor  Union  of  Springfield,  the 
Xew  England  Association  of  Musicians,  and  the  American  Federation  of 
Musicians,  which  embraces  the  professional  musicians  of  the  United  States 
and  Canada.     Delegates  are  sent  each  vear  to  the  conventions  of  the  National 


H.    A.     SHUMWAY 
Secretary    of    the     Musicians 


92 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


Association,  and  in  this  manner  the  members  of  the  Local  are  kept  fully 
informed  on  all  important  matters  of  interest  to  musicians.  Practically  all 
the  musicians  eligible,  in  and  around  Springfield,  are  members  of  Local  171, 
there  being  310  names  on  the  roll  January  1st  of  this  year.  With  the  members 
all  working  for  one  common  cause — to  earn  sufficient  to  enable  them  to  live 
decentlv  and  give  their  very  best  efforts  to  the  public — and  the  wonderful 
prosperity  that  seems  certain  for  Springfield  and  vicinity,  the  musicians  have 
much  to  look  forward  to,  thanks  to  Local  171.  American  Federation  of 
Musicians. 


LOUIS    B.    WOODWORTH 
Financial    Secretary-Treasurer    of    Mu- 
sicians'   Union 


J.    Finch.    F. 
Woodard,     C. 


B.    Alvord, 
H.    Cutler, 


The  officers  for  1012  are: 

President — Frelerick  W.  Otto. 
Vice-President — W.  F.  Stebbins. 
Secretary — Herbert  A.   Shumway. 
Treasurer — Louis  B.   YYoodworth. 
Sergeant-at-Arms — C.  S.  O'Regan. 
Executive    Board — W.    J.    McGarrett,    R. 

Weston     Ross.    Albert    Short.    F.    A. 

Thomas  J  loone. 
Examination     Committee — A.     F.    Jacobs, 

Premo. 
Auditing   Committee — T.    \.    Collins.   P.    E.    Cleary.   G.    II.    Shores. 
Delegates    to    Central    Labor    Union — F.    W.    Otto.    W.    F.    Stebbins, 

H.  A.  Shumway.   L.   B.  Woodworth,  T.   B.  Carroll. 
Relief    Committee — II.    I).    Aldrich,    A.    II.    Orcutt,    John    Brennan, 

lolm    Cavanaugh,    F.    I..    Benjamin. 


T.    A.    Heffernan.    Albert 


Schoolhouse  Custodians 


Few  organizations  had  the  baptism  of  fire  in  reality  that  attended  the 
organization  of  the  School  1  louse  Custodians.  The  new  body,  formed  in 
1911,  was  born  out  of  the  old  Janitors'  Union.  The  School  Janitors  of  Spring- 
field, at  their  meeting  in  the  Central  High  School  Hall  in  December,  1910, 
voted  "Not  to  have  anything  to  do  with  the  American  Federation  of  Labor," 
the  vote  being  9  to  o.  The  next  meeting  was  called  by  E.  H.  Newell  on 
Sunday,  January  22,  1911,  in  Central  Labor  Union  Hall.  Speakers  in  the 
persons  of  William  IT.  Grady  and  W.  J.  Murphy  had  been  secured.  Mr. 
Grady  called  the  meeting  to  order  and  gave  a  talk  along  the  usual  lines  of  the 
benefits  to  be  derived  from  united  action  and  called  on  Mr.  Murphy,  who  was 
the  secretary  of  the  State  Branch  of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor.  Mr. 
Murphy  had  barely  got  warmed  up  to  his  subject  when  there  was  a  cry  of 
"Fire !"  and  disorder  immediately  ensued.  Some  of  the  men  present  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  down  the  stairs,  many  of  them  through  the  windows  and 
several  had  to  be  taken  from  the  roof  by  the  firemen,  who  were  quickly  on 
the  scene. 

A  second  meeting  was  arranged  by  Mr.  Newell  about  two  weeks  later,  and 
a  considerably  larger  number  attended  than  had  appeared  at  the  previous  one. 
Mr.  Grady  again  expressed  his  views  and  was  asked  a  number  of  questions 
by  those  present.  Mr.  Murphy,  too,  was  present  and  urged  upon  the  janitors 
that  the  time  to  organize  was  NOW",  as  no  man  could  tell  what  the  morrow 
would  bring  forth.  He  presented  a  blank  for  signatures,  and  nearly  every  one 
present  attached  his  name.  Mr.  Murphy  sent  for  a  charter  and  on  March  11, 
1911,  School  House  Custodians'  Union,  No.  152.  came  into  existence  as  an 
organized  body,  with  twenty-two  members.  The  following  officers  were 
chosen : 

President — C.  Clark. 

Vice-President — E.  IT.  Newell. 

Secretary — W.  F.  McCray. 

Treasurer — T.  J.  Healv. 

Guide— IT.  W.  Kuralt.  ' 

Guard— M.  W.  Fisk. 

Trustees — J.  Twohig,  R.  Case,  Mr.   Butler,  A.  J.  Turner. 

The  officers  were  installed  by  XV.  T.  Murphv. 

When  the  eight-hour  law  went  into  effect  recently  the  committee  on  citv 
property  made  an  effort  to  put  the  citv  ianitor  service  under  the  contract 
system.  The  local  at  once  took  up  the  fight  in  opposition,  co-operation  being 
lent  by  the  Central  Labor  Union  and  counsel  being  employed  to  conduct  the 
case  before  the  city  government.  The  measure  was  defeated  and  the  janitors 
were  given  what  assistance  was  necessary  to  keep  the  work  up  to  the  former 
standard  by  working  eight  hours  a  day,  the  janitors  to  receive  the  same 
salaries  as  heretofore. 

On  March  4  of  the  present  year  the  janitors  of  Chicopee  reported  that  the 
citv  of  Chicopee  school  board  was  not  living  up  to  the  requirements  of  the 
eigTitdiour  law.  the  Chicopee  janitors  being  required  to  work  ten  to  twelve 
hours  in  order  to  cret  through  their  tasks.     The  Grievance  committee  had  been 


04  Central  Labor  Union  History 


in  communication  with  the  school  board  in  the  matter,  but  as  nothing  was 
done  in  the  matter  it  was  taken  up  by  the  Chicopee  Central  Labor  Union,  who 
handed  the  case  over  to  theii*  labor  committee.  Alderman  O'Connell  interested 
Mayor  Rivers  in  the  matter  and  at  the  meeting  on  April  2  last  the  mayor, 
Aldermen  O'Connell.  Dunham  and  Sharp  were  present.  Air.  Xewell  explained 
the  grievance  to  these  officials  and  the  mayor  promised  his  co-operation  in 
seeing  that  the  law  was  lived  up  to.  The  janitors  also  obtained  a  new  working 
schedule,  some  portions  of  which  were  conceded  immediately  and  some,  at 
the  time  of  going  to  press,  are  still  in  abeyance,  but  hopes  are  entertained  of 
an  amicable  adjustment  of  all  the  grievances. 


Claim  Oldest  Organization 


Like  their  confreres,  the  bricklayers,  the  stonecutters  date  their  ancestry 
back  into  the  mists  of  antiquity.  It  is  recorded  in  ancient  script  that  organized 
stonecutters  built  the  pyramids,  and  certain  it  is  that  the  craft  as  an 
organized  body  assisted  in  the  rearing  of  the  temple  of  Solomon,  and  the  craft 
also  claim  to  have  originated  the  secret  order  of  Masonry.  They  even  had 
an  eight-hour  day  in  those  ancient  times. 

The  local  branch  of  the  Stonecutters'  Association  was  particularly  fortu- 
nate in  its  choice  of  officers,  for  many  of  them  have  risen  to  eminence  in  their 

chosen  trade.  The  organization  was 
formed  March  13,  1880,  the  first  offi- 
cers being:  President.  Edward  Shut- 
tleworth ;  vice-president,  David  Fer- 
rier ;  recording  secretary,  C.  T-  Shea; 
financial  secretary.  William  Cole; 
treasurer.   William   Mitchell. 

The  name  of  but  one  of  these  men 
appears  on  the  charter,  that  of  C.  J. 
Shea,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Shea 
&  Donnelly,  of  Lynn,  Mass.,  whose 
partner's  name  also  appears  on  that 
document.  Shea  &  Donnelly  is  one 
of  the  largest  firms  of  stonecutters 
in  Xew  England.  Air.  Shuttleworth. 
too.  has  risen,  being  one  of  the  fore- 
most contractors  in  Xew  Vork  City. 
The  wages  of  stonecutters  at  the 
time  of  organization  were  but  $2.7T> 
for  a  dav  of  ten  hours,  and  the  first 
business  to  come  before  the  new  body 
was  the  betterment  of  this  condition. 
Shorter  hours  and  more  pay  was  their 
platform,  and  they  went  out  for  these 
important  items  with  so  much  deter- 
mination that  the  following  year  saw 
an  increase  of  25  cents  a  day  in  the  rate  of  remuneration  and  the  hours  of 
labor  were  reduced  one  hour  at   the  same  time. 

(  )ne  year  later  the  effects  of  organization  were  again  manifest  by  the 
grant  of  an  increase  of  ;">()  cents  a  dav,  making  the  scale  $-">..">0.  there  being 
no  further  reduction  in  hours  at  this  time.  The  union  claims  to  he  the  pioneer 
of  the  eight-hour  dav  movement,  and  their  claim  that  stonecutters  on  the 
job  at  the  building  of  Solomon's  temple  worked  but  eight  hours  to  a  certain 
extent  vindicates  their  claim,  but  it  is  certain  that  in  modern  times  they 
were  ahead  of  their  bricklayer  friends,  who  also  claim  to  be  pioneers  of  this 
shorter  work-day  movement,  by  a  couple  of  years.  In  the  tall  ot  1SS9  the 
stonecutters  made  their  demand  for  an  eight-hour  dav  with  a  further  increase 
of  pay  to  $4  a  dav.  The  demand  was  not.  however,  received  with  a  very 
good  grace,  for  it  led  to  the  formation  of  a  Masters'  Progressive  Lnion, 
some  of  the   stonecutters   being   induced   to    join   the   new   body,   and   when   the 


WILLIAM    FLYNN 
President  cf  the   Stone   Cutters'    Union 


00  Central  Labor  Union  History 

time  came  for  the  new  scale  of  wages  and  hours  to  go  into  effect  the  masters 
locked  out  a  number  of  the  men.  A  strike  was  therefore  declared  and  a  hard 
fight  for  mastery  was  on.  The  struggle  was  keen  and  lasted  for  seventeen 
months,  and  a  compromise  was  finally  effected  for  44  cents  an  hour  and 
eight  hours.  The  local  held  together  well  during  this  time  and  received 
assistance  from  Xcw  York  and  other  locals,  and  after  the  day  had  been  won 
the  seceders  from  the  ranks  gradually  came  hack  and  harmony  once  more 
reigned.  The  ultimate  success  of  the  eight-hour  movement  led  to  another 
demand  later  on  and  Saturday  half-holiday  was  added  to  the  other  benefits 
won  by  the   stonecutters. 

Ten  years  ago  a  further  demand  was  made,  this  time  for  5'*  cents  an  hour. 
Xo  difficulty  was  experienced  this  time,  and  the  local  is  now  in  the  happy 
receipt  of  $4  for  eight  hours  with  a  44-hour  week.  The  best  of  feeling  exists 
between  the  men  and  their  employers,  both  sides  believing  in  the  axiom 
that  prosperity  of  one  means  the  prosperity  of  both. 

The  international  body  was  not  formed  until  1887,  a  convention  of  the 
craft  getting  together  at  Chicago  in  that  year  and  effecting  organization. 
They  are  affiliated  with  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  and  also  with 
the  building  trades  department  of  that  body.  Quite  a  number  of  locals  existed 
throughout  the  country  prior  to  the  formation  of  the  international  body,  and 
it  is  on  record  that  the  eight-hour  day  was  granted  in  the  middle  West  after 
an  all-summer  strike  in  18G5. 

The  Springfield  local  had  the  honor  of  being  represented  at  the  first  con- 
vention by  Patrick  McDonough.  Twenty-two  of  the  men  who  met  at  Chicago 
have  since  passed  to  the  Great  Beyond.  Following  is  a  list  of  the  men, 
together  with  their  locals,  who  met  at  the  first  convention : 

C.  Chinick  of  Detroit,  Mich. 

Alexander   Smith  of  Chicago. 

E.  McKenzie  of  Chicago. 

J.   A.   Gowen  of  Lincoln,  Neb. 

Harry  Boyne  of  Lincoln,  Neb. 

David  Reid  of  New  York  City. 

M.  Stone  of  St.  Paul,  Minn. 

Thomas  Ward  of  St.  Paul,  Minn. 

John   Rynn    of   Cincinnati. 

Daniel  McHugh  of  Cincinnati. 

T.    T-   Henderson  of   Cleveland. 

Peter    Suesby   of   Cleveland. 

Charles  Butterworth  of  Kansas  City.  Mo. 

David  Martin  of  Kansas  City.  Mo. 

John  T.  Hunt  of  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

William  Holley  of  St.  Louis.  Mo. 

I.  W.   Bolland  of  Indianapolis.  Ind. 

James   F.    McHugh   of  Minneapolis,   Minn. 

Martin   McAloon   of  Topeka,   Kan. 

G.  II.  Thomas  of  Strong  City,  Kan. 

John   Day  of  Denver.  Col. 

John   Recce  of   Newark,    N.   J. 

James  A.  Bramham  of  Wichita,  Kan. 

Daniel   Kennedv   of  Milwaukee.   Wis. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  97 

George  J.  Butler  of  Louisville,  Ky. 
Patrick  McDonough  of   Springfield,   Mass. 

The  following  officers  now  look  after  the  interests  of  the  local :  William 
Flynn,  president,  who  has  also  had  the  honor  of  presiding  over  the  delibera- 
tions of  the  Central  Labor  Union  (in  1908)  ;  George  Clark,  recording  secre- 
tary ;  John  Casey,  financial  secretary,  and  John  Connelly,  treasurer. 

Although  long  affiliated  with  the  Central  Labor  Union,  the  stonecutters 
have  never  found  it  necessary  to  go  to  that  body  for  assistance  in  its  various 
troubles.  The  records  of  the  Central  body  show  that  the  following  members 
of  the  craft  were  delegates  to  the  body  in  1903:  John  Connolly,  Harry  Russell, 
John  Casey,  John  Babbin  and  F.  C.  Kirley.  The  membership  at  this  time 
was  about  fifty,  the  president  being  the  last-named  delegate,  the  secretary 
William  Keefe. 


The  Bill  Posters 


February  22.  1903,  saw  the  birth  of  the  Bill  Posters'  organization,  a  meet- 
ing being  held  at  the  Gilmore  Hotel  and  presided  over  by  Joseph  J.  Xicholls. 
The  full  title  of  the  body,  which  started  in  auspiciously,  is  Local  Xo.  15  of 
the  International  Bill  Posters  and  Billers  of  America.  At  this  first  meeting 
the  following  officers  were  elected  to  manage  the  affairs  of  the  union  : 

President — Paul  Davis. 

Vice-President — Fred  P.  Belmont. 

Financial  and  Recording  Secretary — Albert  J.  Busha. 

Sergeant-at-Arms — August  Miller. 

Business  Agent— R.  H.  Clark. 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — Paul  Davis,  A.  L  Busha,  F.  P. 
Belmont.   R.   H.   Clark.    T.    I.    Xihill. 


PAUL     DAVIS 
President  cf   Billposters'   Union. 

The  Bill  Posters  became  affiliated  with  the  Central  body  on  April  1.  1903. 

The  members  worked  with  vigor  and  faithfully  together  and  their  efforts 
were  rewarded  about  eighteen  months  after  organization  by  the  inauguration 
of  a  scale  calling  for  $2  a  day.  This  was  an  advance  of  from  $2  to  $3  a 
week  in  most  cases,  and  a  ninediour  day  went  with  the  increase  of  pay. 

The  union  at  one  time  had  a  membership  of  forty,  but  this  has  been  reduced 
till  at  the  present  time  it  boasts  of  but  twenty-eight.  It  claims  jurisdiction 
over  Hartford.   Conn..   Worcester.   Holyoke  and  the   surrounding  towns. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  present  officers,  delegates  to  the  Central  Labor 
Union,  and  members: 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


09 


Present  officers : 

President — John  Moriarty. 
Vice-President — Charles  Hastings. 
Secretary  and  Treasurer — Paul  Davis. 
Sergeant-at-Arms — Merle  Willis. 

Trustees— David  Moriarty,  James  Cushing,  Michael  Shea. 
Delegates   to   Central   Labor   Union — Paul    Davis,    Charles   Hastings, 
John  Moriarty,  Michael  Shea,  Merle  Willis. 


List  of  Members : 
F.  P.  Belmont 
James  Cushing 
George  Caron 
Robert  Clark 
Warren  Corey 
Carl  Clark 
Claude  Dallas 
Russell  Davis 
C,  M.  Edwards 
Leslie  Earl 
Herbert  Fisher 
John  E.  Garvey 
E.  E.  George 
Tames  T-  Gillick 


Howard  Johnson 

D.  F.  Keefe 
Emmet  Littleton 
A.  Mather 

A.  Miller 
M.  Moriarty 
D.  O'Brien 
C.  I.  Price 
Robert  Simons 
J.  C.  St.  Clair 
John  Sullivan 
Merle  Willis 

E.  Weiss 

P.  De  Angelais 


Charitable  Coal  Handlers 


Although  one  of  the  younger  unions  of  the  district,  the  coal  handlers 
easily,  considering  their  numbers,  take  the  palm  for  their  charitable  donations 
for  various  purposes.  Strange  as  the  combination  may  seem,  the  coal  handlers, 
with  John  Hurley  at  their  head,  were  the  backbone  of  the  co-operative  laundry 
scheme  that  was  started  by  the  Central  Labor  Union  in  this  city  some  years 
ago.  Six  hundred  and  thirty-eight  dollars  in  hard  cash  went  from  the  treasury 
of  this  body  for  the  laundry,  to  say  nothing  of  some  $457  from  the  private 
purse  of  John  Hurley,  the  president  of  the  local,  who  had  tremendous  faith 
in  the  venture,  and  who  is  today,  alas,  a  sadder  and  wiser  man.  Xot  that  he 
has  lost  faith  in  the  principles  of  unionism.  But  one  cannot  talk  laundries 
with  John.  He  is  not  bitter  about  the  loss  of  his  money  by  any  means,  but 
he  feels  that  with  proper  support  from  the  union  men  of  the  city  the  venture 
would  have  been  a  great  success.  But  the  laundry  is  not  the  story  of  the 
organization  of  the  coial  handlers.  The  union  was  called  into  being  on  July 
1.  1899,  Thomas  Coughlin  being  the  president.  Wages  of  coal  handlers  at  that 
time  were  but  SO  a  week,  and  the  hours  were  unlimited. 

For  two  and  a  half  years  Mr.  Coughlin  held  the  gavel  for  Coal  Handlers 
Xo.  7425.  and  then  John  Hurley,  the  sergeant-at-arms  of  the  Central  Labor 
Union  and  janitor  of  the  hall  where  the  meetings  are  held  in  Sanford  street, 
took  up  the  leadership  of  the  local,  a  position  he  has  held  ever  since.  Indeed. 
John  may  be  said  to  be  the  whole  union,  for  though  he  has  repeatedly  wished 
to  give  way  to  some  other  member  of  his  local,  he  has  been  urged  to  continue 
in  office. 

Trouble  has  set  lightly  on  the  coal  handlers,  for  in  their  thirteen  years  of 
existence  there  has  been  but  one  strike.  That  was  very  effective,  for  every 
man  walked  out  in  support  and  completely  tied  up  the  coal  yards.  A  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  Messrs.  Coughlin,  Hurley,  Ward  and  Streeter.  met  with 
the  employers  at  the  old  Board  of  Trade  rooms  on  Main  street  and  secured 
concessions  and  settled  the  one  and  only  strike  the  body  ever  had  on  their 
hands.  Today  the  wages  of  coal  handlers  vary  from  $12  to  $15  weekly,  and 
some  employers  pay  even  $10   for  the  ten   hours'   work. 

The  initiation  fee  in  the  early  days  of  the  union  was  but  50  cents ;  today 
it  is  $5.  Hie  local  takes  care  of  its  sick  members,  paying  $5  a  week  for  a 
period  of  six  weeks,  and  also  pays  for  the  medical  attention  necessary.  Idiere 
is,  too.  a  death  benefit  of  $75  for  the  families  of  members  in  good  standing  at 
the  time  when  it  is  most  needed.  The  treasury  is  in  a  healthy  condition,  not- 
withstanding the  repeated  drains  upon  it.  and  the  local  has  a  bank  roll  of 
over  $3,000  to  its  credit. 

The  strength  of  the  local  varies  from  eighty-five  in  the  summer  months  to 
130  in  winter,  and  contracts  are  held  with  all  employers  of  union  help.  Over- 
time is  eliminated  as  much  as  possible  and  only  straight  time  is  paid  for  it.  A 
ten-hour  day  at  such  heavy  work  is  considered  sufficient  for  even  an  able-bodied 
man,   and  extra  time  is  not  considered  a  desideratum. 

In  its  brief  existence  the  coal  handlers  have  given  to  various  purposes  over 
$4,000,  some  of  the  items  being  very  interesting  reading.  To  the  starting  of 
the  co-operative  laundry,  as  already  mentioned,  the  body  contributed  of  their 
substance  $200  in  1004,  and  the  following  year  a  further  sum  of  $438.  Every 
appeal   for  strike  contributions  is  carefully   considered  and   rarely,   if  ever,  is 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


101 


an  appeal  refused.  The  records  show  that  the  following  sums  were  given  for 
this  purpose:  1900,  Ludlow  Textile  Workers  $10,  Pressmen  $10;  1001,  Freight 
Handlers'  Union  $25;  1002,  Coal  Miners  $50,  Boston  Meat  Handlers  and  Ohio 
Plumbers  $5  each;  1903,  Textile  Workers  of  Lawrence  $G,  Windsor  Locks 
Beam  Tenders  $10,  Holyoke  Paper  Makers  $10;  1904,  Carpenters'  Union  $25, 
Western  Federation  of  Miners  $10,  Fall  River  Textile  Workers  $5;  1905, 
Laundry  Girls'  Union  of  Troy  $15;  1906,  Ivory  Workers'  Union  $15,  San  Fran- 
cisco sufferers,  $30;  1907,  Lithographers'  Union,  No.  21,  $10,  Mover,  Heywood 
and  Pettibone  trial  fund  $10,  Lynn  Carpenters'  Union  $10;  1908,  to  Central 
Labor  Union  for  the  eight-hour  fight  $10;  1909.  Ludlow  strikers  $50,  Hatters' 
Union  $20.  Metal  Polishers  $10;  1910,  Hartford  Tire  Builders  $10;  1911,  Hart- 
ford Molders'  Union  $10.  Boston  Photo  Engravers  $10. 


JOHN     HURLEY 

Who    Has    Taken    Care    of    Labor    Lodges 

for    the    Central     Labor    Union 

for  Eighteen  Years. 


The  handlers  of  the  black  diamonds  have  donated  $50  to  the  proposed  labor 
lyceum,  $25  to  the  Jeremiah  Mahoney  fund.  $50  to  the  family  of  Thomas 
Ahearn,  a  charter  member  ot  their  local,  who.  it  will  be  recalled  bv  manv.  was 
accidentally  shot  at  a  local  brewery  by  a  "'didn't  know  it  was  loaded'"  hunter, 
and  an  average  of  some  $250  a  year  for  sick  benefits. 

Probably  one  of  the  best-known  figures  in  local  labor  circles  in  this  citv  is 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  John  Hurley.  A  delegate  for  over  twenty  years 
to  the  Central  body,  lohn  has  also  acted  as  janitor  for  eighteen  years.  Presi- 
dent of  the  Coal  Handlers'  Union  tor  eleven  years,  he  also  presided  for  ten 
years  over  the  deliberation--  of  the  liuilding  Laborers'  Union,  and  has  been 
delegated  to  attend  six  national  conventions  ot  that  trade  bv  his  fellows.  Mr. 
Hurlev  has  lived  in   Springfield   tor   forty-seven  years,  and  has  been  associated 


102  Central  Labor  Uxiox  History 


with  the  Building-  Laborers'  Union  for  fully  thirty  years.  Gruff,  but  genial 
to  those  who  know  him  well,  he  is  recognized  as  having  a  heart  of  gold  and  is 
elected  year  after  year,  with  scarcely  any  opposition,  to  the  position  of  sergeant- 
at-arms  and  is  only  preceded  in  point  of  service  with  the  Central  body  by  prob- 
ably two  or  three  men.  William  II.  Grady  and  George  H.  Wrenn  claiming 
loneer  association. 


Plumbers  Union,  No.  89 


Several  strikes  have  made  interesting  the  history  of  the  local  plumbers,  and 
in  their  twenty-odd  years  of  existence  the  body  has  advanced  considerably, 
improving  both  hours  and  wages.  Conditions  under  which  they  work  are  of 
necessity  not  always  of  the  best,  for  it  is  part  of  their  business  to  effect  this, 
but  the  lot  of  the  plumber  is  vastly  improved  and  his  work  for  sanitation 
cannot  be  estimated. 

Local  Xo.  89  of  the  United  Association  of  Plumbers,  Gas  and  Steam  Fitters 
and  Steam  Fitters'  Helpers  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,  to  give  the  body 
its  full  name,  was  organized  December  14.  1891.     The  first  officers  elected  were: 

President — William  P.  Shay. 

Vice-President — 1 1.  Connelly. 

Treasurer — George  ( ireen. 

Recording  Secretary — J.  C.   Doyle. 

Board  of  Directors — J.  II.   Farley,  F.  Linehan,  Thomas  J.  Ryan. 

Less  than  three  weeks  after  the  body  was  organized  the  Central  Labor 
Union  were  requested  to  seat  their  delegates,  and  without  a  break  the  plumbers 
have  been  represented  in  the  deliberations  of  that  body  ever  since.  The  first 
delegates  to  the  Central  body  were  the  president,  vice-president,  treasurer  and 
the  last  named  on  the  board  of  directors.  A  month  after  affiliation  with  the 
Central  body  the  local  sought  affiliation  with  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor,  only  to  surrender  that  charter  six  months  later  for  one  from  the  United 
Association  with  the  long  name,  the  change  being  made  at  the  instance  of 
the  .American  Federation  of  Labor. 

Several  of  the  ex-presidents  and  other  of  the  officials  are  still  living.  First 
President  Shay  is  now  captain  of  the  Fall  River  fire  department ;  George 
Smith.  X.  F.  Brennan,  F.  J.  Ryan.  \Y.  J.  Hyland  and  J.  F.  Walls  are  all 
master  plumbers,  and  most  of  them  are  still  card  holders  in  the  local. 

Like  woman's  work,  the  plumbers'  was  "never  done,"  and  the  new  local 
set  out  to  improve  matters  in  this  respect.  A  short  strike  in  1893  resulted 
in  the  grant  of  a  nine-hour  workday;  $3.50  for  that  period  being  obtained  in 
1898.  Two  years  later  the  eight-hour  day  for  the  plumber  was  an  accom- 
plished fact.  Then  (in  1905)  a  demand  was  made  for  84  a  day,  and  a  strike 
was  called  on  the  refusal  of  the  master  plumbers  to  consider  the  matter. 
Seven  months'  idleness  resulted  in  defeat  for  the  workmen,  and  they  returned 
to  work  under  the  old  scale. 

Defeat  onlv  served  as  a  spur  to  the  local,  and  they  have  since  regained 
many  of  the  shops  lost  as  the  result  of  the  strike.  The  present  year  saw 
the  consummation  of  their  desires,  namely,  forty-four  hours  and  $4.10  for  that 
period  of  labor.  The  union  members  now  control  most  of  the  business  of 
the  citv  and  is  ever  adding  to  its  number.      The  present  officers  arc: 

President—!).    Colby. 
Vice-President — F.  Conway. 
Recording  Secretary — 1.  Beauchemin. 
Financial  Secretary — M.  J.  Scanlon. 
Treasurer — J .  Wright. 
Business  Agrcnt — \Y.   11.  Grady. 


Photo-Engravers  Union,  No.  57 


One  of  the  infant  organizations  of  the  city  is  Photo-Engravers,  Xo.  57, 
and  the  prospects  are  that  this  body,  though  their  ranks  are  of  necessity 
small,  will  be  one  of  the  few  100  per  cent  organizations.  Matters  are  tend- 
ing that  way. 

Prior  to  October  1,  1910,  the  union  men  following  that  trade  in  Spring- 
field  were  members  of  Hartford  Local, 
Xo.  33,  of  which  they  were  charter 
members,  with  equal  voting  power. 
They  were  taken  into  Xo.  33  July  1, 
1903.  Meetings  were  held  alternately 
in  Hartford  and  Springfield,  and  the 
body  had  at  that  time  jurisdiction  over 
a  territory  extending  from  Xew  Haven 
on  the  south  to  Canada  on  the  north, 
and  from   Albany   to    Boston. 

As  it  cost  the  members  in  both 
towns  considerable  to  attend  the  meet- 
ings,   which    were    held    alternatelv    in 


GEORGE    F.     LOSEE 
President   of   the    Photo- Engravers'    Union 

either  town,  and  as  the  craftsmen  were 
multiplying  in  both  places,  it  was  de- 
cided to  apply  for  a  charter  for  the 
Springfield  men.  This  was  done,  the 
document,  dated  as  above,  coming  to 
legalize  the  actions  of  Xo.  57. 

The   first   officers  to   guide  the   des- 
tinies of  the  infant  organization  were: 

President — Howard  ( i.  Mendon. 

Vice-President — Henry  A.  Yolz. 

Secretary-Treasurer — \Y.    11.    Allen. 

Recording  Secretary — C.  L.  Slayter. 

Sergeant- at- Arms — Frank  Bickel. 

The  local  is  working  along  the  right  lines.  The  body  is  attili; 
the  Central  Labor  L'nion  and  the  Allied  Trades  Council,  and  the 
conditions  locally  has  resulted  in  the  installation  of  the  I.  P.  E.  I 
the    citv.       This    label,    for    the    first    time,    mav    now    be    obtained 


H.    G.    MENDON 
Secretary-Treasurer     of     Photo 


Engravers 

ited    with 

studv   of 

label   in 

n    photo- 


Central  Labor  Uxiox   History 


105 


engraving    work    done    at    the    plant    of    the    Springfield    Photo-Engraving 
Company. 

The   new   local    holds   its    meetings    in    Central    Labor    Union    Hall   on    the 
second  Tuesday  in  each  month,  and  the  present  officers  are: 
President — Henry   A.   Volz. 
Vice-President — George  P.  Losee. 


JOHN     CAMPBELL 
Recording    Secretary    of    Photo- Engravers 

Secretary-Terasurer — 1  loward  G.  Mendon. 

Recording   Secretary — John    Campbell. 

Auditing  Committee — William  Dijon.   Henry  Rothenburg,  George  \Y. 

(lark. 
Delegates    to    Central    Labor    Union — Howard    G.    Mendon,    Charles 

1).    Blakslee,   William    Dijon. 
Delegates    to   Allied   Printing   Trades    Council — Howard    G.    Mendon, 

George   F.   Losee.   George  \V.   Clark. 
Correspondent   to  Official   Journal — George   \Y.   Clark. 


The  Journeyman  Barber 


Many,  many  years  ago,  a  sign  over  the  door  of  a  Fleet  street  barber  shop 
read,  "Shaving,  one  penny."'  A  rival  across  the  street  erected  a  sign,  "Clean 
shaving,  one  penny."  thereby  insinuating  that  the  first-mentioned  barber  was 
not  so  well  equipped  for  good  service  as  his  competitor.  Xot  to  be  outdone. 
Barber  Xo.  1  came  back  with  "A  clean  shave  for  one-half  penny."     Surely  the 


p.    F.    CRONIN 
President   of    the    Barbers'    Union 

low-water  mark  of  the  price  had  been  reached.  The  story  goes  on  to  say 
that  competition  was  too  keen  for  a  living  wage  and  both  shops  were  amalga- 
mated, thus  showing  that  the  spirit  of  combination  of  talents  was  abroad. 

But  this  i-  only  preliminary  to  showing  that  the  price  of  a  shave  in  this 
country  stood  at  the  modest  dime  for  many  vears.  Fifty  years  ago,  or  before 
tlie  Civil   War.  the  price  of  a  shave  was  one  dime,  and  repeated  agitation  by 


Central  Labor  Union  History  107 


the  barber  failed  to  raise  the  price  for  forty-five  years,  and  the  same  applies 
to  the  cutting  of  hair.  A  quarter  has  been  recognized  as  the  fair  price  for 
that  very  necessary  and  periodical  trimming  up  ;  but,  whereas  the  barber  in 
the  old  days  had  less  to  contend  with  in  a  sanitary  way  than  has  his  confrere 
today,  what  obtained  then  as  a  fair  price  cannot  be  considered  fair  in  these  days. 

The  price  of  firteen  cents  for  a  shave  seems  to  raise  the  ire  of  many  men, 
and  it  is  amusing  to  see  how  careful  these  same  men  are  to  insist  that  things 
in  their  barber  shop — or  the  shop  they  honor  with  their  patronage — shall  be 
just  so.  They  will  go  into  a  hotel  and  use  the  common  towel  or  drinking  glass 
and  think  nothing  of  the  risks  they  run  from  germs  there,  yet  the  barber's 
parlor  must  be  scrupulously  clean — as  it  ever  is.  The  furnishing  of  a  modern 
barber  shop  is  an  expensive  process,  and  the  up-to-date  appliances  and  sanitary 
precautions  that  he  is  compelled  to  take  by  law  all  cost  money,  yet  when  he 
asks  for  a  fair  return  on  his  sunken  capital  he  is  looked  on  as  something 
less  than  a  pirate.  He  is.  however,  expected  to  maintain  an  expensive  estab- 
lishment near  a  main  thoroughfare,  pay  big  rent  for  that  purpose,  keep  expen- 
sive toilet  accessories  and  then  try  to  obtain  a  living  wage.  When  it  is 
considered  the  length  of  time  the  operation  of  cutting  hair  and  shaving 
occupies,  who  shall  say  that  the  barber  is  overpaid? 

All  big  movements  have  small  beginnings,  and  so  it  was  with  the  advent 
of  the  Journeyman  Barbers'  Union.  A  meeting  for  the  purpose  of  organizing 
was  called  in  February,  1889,  at  the  home  of  one  Joseph  Landry  on  Main  street, 
Springfield,  near  Franklin.  Only  eleven  barbers  turned  out  to  this  meeting, 
and  they  failed  to  come  to  any  workable  agreement  in  the  way  of  organizing. 
Later  a  second  meeting  was  called  at  the  shop  of  Joseph  La  Valley,  which  stood 
then  where  the  present  Walker  block  is  located.  With  the  assistance  of  Messrs. 
Rawbone  and  Jeremiah  Mahoney  of  the  Cigar  Makers'  Union,  organization 
was  this  time  effected,  a  charter  was  applied  for  and  issued  to  the  new  body, 
which  was  known  as  Local  Xo.  20  of  the  International  Journeymen  Barbers' 
Union.     The  following  board  of  officers  was  then  elected: 

President— J.  J.   Daly. 

Recording  Secretary — George  Hadd. 

Secretary-Treasurer — Charles  Gemme. 

One  delegate,  in  the  person  of  the  recording  secretary,  was  sent  to  the 
Central  Labor  Union  and  quarters  for  meeting  were  secured  in  the  Ste  John 
Baptiste  hall.  This  was  but  a  temporary  abiding  place,  however,  for  a  room 
was  secured  in  the  Central  Labor  Union  Hall,  at  the  corner  of  State  and  Main 
streets,  in  the  old  Foote  block.  The  life,  of  this  local  was  but  short,  and  it 
went  out  of  existence  in  1805  through  a  misunderstanding  with  the  executive 
board  of  the  international  union.  It  its  brief  existence,  however,  many  reforms 
had  been  effected,  the  most  important  of  which  was  the  shortening  of  the 
working  week  by  three  hours  and  a  quarter. 

For  four  years  the  local  barbers  were  unorganized,  then,  in  1890,  the  present 
local,  Xo.  :io.  was  born,  Jeremiah  Mahoney,  who  had  assisted  in  forming  the 
old  local,  being  again  busv  with  the  new  one.  Xo.  .'50  fixes  the  date  of  its  birth 
as  Februarv  !»,  1^!»(.».  and  the  first  meeting  was  held  in  the  Central  Labor  Union 
Mall,  which  then  stood  at  the  corner  of  Dwight  street  and  Harrison  avenue. 
Much  enthusiasm  was  in  evidence  among  the  journeymen,  and  the  following 
board  of  officers  was  chosen  to  gfuide  the  destinies  of  the  new  local: 


10S  Central  Labor  Union    History 


President — I).  F.  Kane. 
Vice-President — George  1  ladd. 

Corresponding  and  Recording  Secretary — Robert  Beach. 
Treasurer — G.  A.  Stilt/.. 
From  this  beginning  the  real  history  of  the  Barbers'  Union  dates.  During 
the  period  of  suspended  animation  from  1895  to  1S99  the  concessions  obtained 
by  the  old  local  bad  been  more  or  less  lived  up  to,  but  the  new  body  got  busy 
immediately  to  improve  matters  still  further,  and  everything  moved  along 
smoothly  between  the  men  and  their  employers  until  a  demand  was  made  for 
a  half-day  off  a  week.  This  was  opposed  by  many  of  the  master  barbers,  but 
the  concession  was  finally  obtained  and  the  weekly  half-day  off  became  effective 
on  May  23,  1901.  Most  of  the  employers  signed  the  new  agreement,  a  few 
holding  out  against  it,  but  all  were  finally  brought  into  line,  and  the  barbers 
claim  to  be  the  first  organisation  to  obtain  this  concession  in  this  form  in  the 
Xew  England  states  upon  its  own  initiative.  Many  other  concessions  have 
been  obtained  since. 

With  the  possible  exception  of  drug  stores,  the  barber  shop  is  compelled 
to  keep  open  longer  hours  than  any  other  craft,  and  the  hours  of  the  men  are 
necessarily  still  very  long,  though  they  have  been  reduced  by  the  efforts  of 
this  local  from  seventy-one  per  week  to  sixty,  or  an  average  of  ten  per  day, 
this  not  including  the  necessary  time  taken  off  for  eating  purposes.  In  these 
days  of  the  eight-hour  movement,  ten  hours  is  too  long  for  any  man  to  keep 
up  efficient  work  and,  though  difficulties  may  intervene,  it  is  not  without  the 
pale  of  reason  for  this  craft  to  hope  for  some  improvement  on  this  schedule. 
During  the  life  of  the  local  the  following  men  have  held  office: 

Presidents — I).  F.  Kane.  R.  M.  Xeidle,  George  I  ladd  and  P.  F.  Cronin, 

the  present  presiding  officer. 

Vice-Presidents — George   Iladd.  James  Holly,   D.  J.   Foley,  \Y.   Des- 

lauries.   John   Garvey,   Albert   St.  Jermain   and  John   H.   Perron. 

Financial    and    Corresponding    Secretaries — Robert    Beach.     Ed.     \Y. 

Lawler,  Mr.  Uartenstein,  A.  O.  Martineau,  F.  F.  Lewis,  William 

Caron,    P.    F.    Cronin,    Fred    Gemme,    Jr.,    Harry    Emerson    and 

11.  C.  Niebuhr. 

Recording  Secretaries — F.  F.   Lewis,  J.   H.  Lyons,  J.   J.   Shea,  Jovin 

Johnson,  H.  H.  Severin,  G.  A.  Stiltz  and  Leander  St.  Cyr. 
Treasurers — G.   A.   Stiltz,   Charles  Gemme  and  R.   G.   Spengler. 
Delegates  to  International  Conventions — P.  F.  Cronin,  II.  11.  Severin 
and   1 1.   C.   Xiebuhr. 
The    union    barber    shop    in    Springfield — always    to    be    recognized    by    the 
framed  card — is  a  clean,  sanitary  place,  with  good  service  and  intelligent  help, 
a    good    feeling    existing    between    the    employer    and    his    men.    with    efficient 
sanitary    arrangements,    for    no    officer   of    the    board    of    health    knows    better 
than  the  barber  the  absolute  necessity  for  hot  water,  formaldehyde  and  sulpho- 
napthol.   and   though    some    shops   may   be    furnished   in   costlier  manner   than 
others,  the  class  of  work  done  is  much  the  same. 

Some  will  argue  that,  because  a  man  can  scrape  himself  after  a  fashion 
with  a  safety  razor,  the  trade  of  the  barber  is  not  a  skilled  one;  as  well 
argue  that  a  man  may  pull  his  own  teeth,  or  act  as  his  own  hair  cutter.  The 
latter  operation  has  been  performed  in  case  of  necessity,  but,  like  the  dental 
operation    referred   to,   it   would  be  a   severe  pull. 

Among  the  men  who  are  best  known  in  the  barber  world  is  P.  F.  Cronin, 
the  man   who  at   the  present   time  presides  over  the  deliberations  of  the  local. 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


109 


Mr.  Cronin  has  held  the  office  of  recording  secretary  and  is  also  a  delegate 
to  the  Central  Lahor  Union.  Born  in  Chicopee,  he  became  identified  with 
the  labor  movement  thirty-one  years  ago.  being  the  first  master  workman  of 
the  old  Knights  of  Labor  organized  in  that  city,  bike  many  others,  he  quickly 
recognized  the  fact  that  from  its  nondescript  make-up  the  Knights  could  never 
hope  to  be  the  power  for  improved  conditions  that  its  founders  fondly  hoped. 
Mr.  Cronin  has  been  his  own  successor  in  the  presidential  chair  of  the  barbers' 
local  for  eleven  years — a  fine  record,  lie  has  been  unanimously  elected  to 
represent  the  local  at  the  international  conventions  since  1901,  and  under 
his  leadership  but  one  strike  has  occurred.  Many  concessions  have  been 
gained,  and  gained  with  such  tact  and 
diplomacy  as  to  merit  the  approval  ot 
not  only  the  masters,  but  also  of  the 
patrons  of  the  trade.  When  Mr. 
Cronin  first  took  up  the  leadership 
there  existed  in  this  city  an  associa- 
tion of  boss  barbers;  this  has  since 
ceased  to  exist,  the  necessity  for  its 
existence  being  nullified  by  the  ex- 
treme conservatism  of  the  demands 
made  by  the  journeymen.  Mr.  Cronin 
has  in  the  course  of  his  long  career 
dipped  into  politics,  finding  therein 
both  honors  and  humor.  lie  was  a 
member  of  Chicopee's  first  charter 
committee  appointed  by  the  first  City 
Council,  lie  has,  too.  served  the  gov- 
ernment in  the  internal  revenue  ser- 
vice for  five  years,  and  at  present 
conducts  a  barber  shop  on  Court 
I  louse  place,  near  the  new  wing  of 
the  old  court  house. 

II.  C.  Xiebuhr,  business  agent  and 
sccretarv  of  the  local,  was  born  at 
Lyons,  X.  Y..  and  at  an  early  age 
was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Illinois, 
where  be  learned  bis  trade.  lie  has 
this  country,  coming  to  tin 
for  William  Stacy  for  ten  years,  and.  Ins  health  failing.  Local  \'o.  :>0  ottered 
hint  the  post  of  business  agent  in  l'.MHJ.  He  accepted  and  has  served  the  local 
loyally  ever  since.  His  dttties  oblige  him  to  carry  on  an  insurance  agency,  an 
employment  bureau,  and  all  the  clerical  work  of  the  body  falls  to  him.  He 
is,  in  fact,  the  brains  of  his  local  and  is  implicitly  trusted  by  the  rank  and  file, 
holding  at  the  same  time  the  respect  and  confidence  of  the  employers — no 
mean    achievement. 

He  has  been  active  outside  the  city  and  has  succeeded  in  organizing  the 
barbers  of  Ware.  Calmer  and  Indian  Orchard,  and  in  this  work  especially  has 
developed  a  tact  that  wins.  Local  No.  W  can  congratulate  itself  on  its 
business  agent,  who  represented  it  at  the  Milwaukee  convention,  is  a  delegate 
to  the  Central  Labor  Cnion.  a  trustee  of  that  body  and  a  charter  member  of 
the  Springfield   Labor  Lyceum. 


H.    C.     NIEBUHR 
Business  Agent  of  the   Barbers 

oiked   in   many  of   the   larger  cities  of 
citv    in    1S92.      He   held   the   position    of    foreman 


Tobacco  Strippers  Union,  No.  9698 


(  )ne  hundred  and  fifty  members,  and  every  one  in  good  standing,  is  the 
happy  state  of  the  Tobacco  Strippers'  Union,  No.  9G9.S,  of  Springfield,  Mass., 
to  give  it  its  full  title.  Only  the  secretaries  of  locals  who  have  the  handling 
of  that  part  of  the  union's  business  that  designates  the  standing  of  its  mem- 
bership can  appreciate  the  fact. 

The  local  has  been  in  existence  slightly  more  than  ten  years,  having  been 
horn  January  21,  1902.     The  cigar  makers  were  instrumental  in  the  oreaniza- 


MRS.    ANNIE    BIGLIN     McDERMOTT 


MISS    MARY    GARVEY 


First   President   of  the   Tobacco   Strippers"     First    Vice-President    and    Present    Presi- 
Union  dent 

tion  of  the  new  local,  J.  F.  Mahoney  calling  the  prospective  unionists  together 
on  that  day.  At  that  meeting  Mr.  Mahoney  read  a  letter  from  the  secretary 
of  the  cigar  makers,  Henry  Healey.  offering  moral  and  financial  help,  and 
thirty-six  members  were  initiated  then  and  there,  the  following  officers  being 
chosen  to  direct  affairs: 

President — Miss   Anna   Biglin. 

Vice-President — Miss  Mary  Garvey. 

Recording  and  Corresponding  Secretary — Mary  Collins. 

Financial   Secretary — Miss  Mary   Hendrick. 

Treasurer — Mrs.  Emma   1  lavlieck. 
A  month  later  the  officers  were  added  to  by  the  election  of  Mary  Coleman 
as  guide  and  Anna  Cerniak  as  guard,  a  board  of  trustees  being  agreed  upon 
in  the  following:    bonis  Hardina,  Mary  Gamble  and  Josie  Vassar.     Delegates 


Central  Labor  Uxiox   History  111 


to  the  Central  Labor  Union  were  appointed  at  the  third  meeting  of  the  new- 
local,  the  officers  serving  in  that  capacity. 

For  the  initial  expenses  of  organization  the  Cigar  Makers'  Union  donated 
the  snin  of  $10  for  the  purchase  of  seal,  hooks  and  the  necessary  charter  from 
the  American  Federation  of  Labor. 

Five  months  after  the  union  was  started,  all  the  tobacco  strippers  in  Spring- 
field were  numbered  in  its  ranks,  and  on  June  0  the  body  obtained  recognition 
in  the  shape  of  increased  pay  and  a  working  week  of  forty-eight  hours,  this 
benefit  accruing  to  ninety-eight  members.  The  advantages  of  being  organized 
were  thus  made  quickly  apparent  and  the  ranks  of  the  order  have  shown  a 
gradual  increase,  till  the  happy  stage  mentioned  in  the  first  paragraph  was 
reached. 

The  present  officers  are : 

President — Miss  Mary  Garvey. 

Vice-President — Miss  Rosie  1  Idler. 

Recording  and  Corresponding  Secretary — Miss  Xettie  Twenty. 

Finnacial  Secretary — Miss  Margaret  Teahan. 

Treasurer — Mrs.   Barbara  Schilling. 

< luide — Miss  Annie  Wolf. 

Trustees — Miss    Louise    Vassier,    Miss    Annie    Vassier,    Miss    Kate 

McKenzie. 
Delegates   to   Central   Labor  Union — Miss   Mary   Garvey,   Mrs.    Kate 
McKenzie.  Miss  Margaret  Ely,  Miss  Xettie  Twenty,  Miss  Mar- 
garet Teahan. 
The  following  signed  the  charter  from  the  American  Federation  of  Labor: 
Annie  Biglin,   Mary  Collins,  Mary   Barton,   Annie  MeFadden.   Mary   Hronek, 
Emma    Havlieck,    Annie    Hronek,    Louise    Haradin,    Mary    Tomas,    Amelia 
Hardina,   Nellie    Crowley,   Annie   Churchill.    Annie    Schillizi,    Annie   Cermak, 
Theresa  Collins.  Carrie  Jarlow,  Nellie  O'Brien,  Josie  Crowley,  Mary  Cermak, 
Mary  Gamble,  Louise  Rawbone,  Julia  Harrington,  Mrs.  Barney,  Maggie  Erwin, 
Mary  Ellen  Bresnahan,  Annie  Skala  and  Julia  Moriarty. 


Hampden  Lodge  of  Car  Workers 


Although  not  affiliated  with  the  Central  Labor  Union  at  the  present  time. 
Hampden  Lodge  of  the  International  Association  of  Car  Workers  can  claim 
to  have  had  connection  with  the  body,  for,  back  in  1903,  a  lodge  known  as 
Constitution  Lodge  sent  delegates  to  the  local  parliament  of  workmen.  For 
three  years  the  car  workers  were  represented  in  the  councils,  then  all  record 
of  them  is  reduced  to  the  phrase,  written  by  the  secretary  across  the  page- 
devoted  to  the  delegates'  names,  "Gone  out." 

Hampden  lodge  is  controlled  by  a  district  council,  which  meets  in  Boston 
on  the  second  Sunday  in  the  month.  No.  114  was  instituted  on  April  1,  1910, 
by  Grand  Vice-President  Thomas  II.  Condon  of  the  national  organization, 
thirty-six  members  being  on  the  initial  roll  and  the  charter,  with  the  following- 
officers  : 

President — G.   F.   Bosworth. 

Vice-President — A.  J.  Whelan. 

Recording   Secretary — William    Derbyshire. 

Financial  Secretary — Harry  X.  Leonard. 

Treasurer — T.  Monroe  Bodurtha. 

Trustees— F.  W.  Readio.  W.  G.  Root..  E.  F.  Doolittle. 
The  organization  comprises  car  cleaners,  repair  men.  men  working  on 
engins  cabs  and  tenders.  It  has  an  agreement  with  the  management  of  the 
Boston  &  Maine  system,  which  is  renewed  from  year  to  year.  The  associa- 
tion also  pays  a  benefit  to  the  families  of  its  deceased  members.  About  1,200 
men  are  affiliated  with  the  order  and  the  local  lodge  has  increased  its  member- 
ship to  sixty-five  since  it  was  instituted,  taking  in  all  the  workers  employed 
on  the  Boston  &  Maine  system  between   Springfield  and  Northampton. 

One  of  the  principal  functions  of  this,  as  of  all  other  orders  composed  of 
workers,  is  the  adjustment  of  grievances  between  the  men  and  their  employers, 
and  in  this  it  has  been  singularly  successful.  The  present  officer-  of  Hampden 
Lodge  are : 

President — George   F.    Bosworth. 

Vice-President — Winslow   G.   Root. 

Recording    Secretary — A.   J.    Whelan. 

Financial   Secretary — E.   F.   Doolittle. 

Treasurer — F.    E.   Thayer. 

Trustees— F.  W.  Xuttall.  F.  W.  Readio.  M.  Lander.-. 


Chicopee  Carpenters 


The  available  records  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  show  that  Local  No. 
GS5  of  the  United  Brotherhood  of  Carpenters  and  Joiners  of  America  (Chic- 
opee) were  affiliated  with  the  body  in  1903,  1904,  190.5  and  1906.  The  Chicopee 
carpenters  met  in  those  days  at  18  Market  square  every  Wednesday.  The 
president  in  1903  was  George  Basiliere,  and  the  secretary  Alfred  Rivest. 
Delegates  to  the  Central  body:  L.  ().  Founder,  E.  Blanchet,  George  Basiliere, 
S.  Vesneau,  E.  Gouger  and,  later  in  the  year,  on  the  withdrawal  of  Messrs. 
Blanchet  and  Vesneau,  Frank  Blanchard  and  J.  Comtois  were  seated. 

After  1900  nothing  appears  and,  presumably,  the  local  joined  the  Chicopee 
council. 

Following  are  the  names  of  the  charter  members  of  the  local : 

Joseph  La  Riviere 

Louis  Mongeau 

Isiae  Limard 

Alberie  Lamy 

Napoleon  Roy 

Philibert  Archambeault 

Frederick  St.  Jean 

Joseph  ( iibeau 

Omer  Blanchette 

Joseph  Comtois 

Cleophas  Gelinas 

Lawrence  Griffin 
Following  are  the  first  officers  of  the   local: 

President — Frederick  St.  Jean. 

Vice-President — Louis  Mongeau. 

Recording  Secretary — Philibert  Archambeault. 

Financial   Secretary — Napoleon  Roy. 

Treasurer — Joseph   LaRivierc. 

Conductor — Alberie  Lamy. 
The  men  transferred   from   Local    Xo.  9(1  to  085  were:    Charles  Clairmont, 
James  Page,  Joseph  11.  Cote.  George  II.  Basiliere,  Theodore  St.  Cvr.  Alexander 
Marceau.   Philias  Vendal  and   Napoleon  .St.  Cvr. 

The  officers  acting  in  the  present  year  of  grace  are: 

President — Henry  Chevalier. 

Vice-President — ( leorge    Prancouer. 

Recording  Secretary — L.  Onesime  Fournier. 

Financial   Secretary — George    11.    Basiliere. 

Treasurer — Ludger  1  )upuis. 

(  (inductor — Ernest  Gouger. 

Warden — [saie   Eimard. 

Auditors— Edmond  Blanchette.  Alfred  Rivest.  Philibert  Archambeault. 

Trustees — Ernest  Gouger,    lames  Page,   Philias  Vendal. 


The  Ministry  and  Labor 


The  Springfield  Ministers'  Association  is  composed  of  most  of  the  Protestant 
ministers  of  the  city,  together  with  a  tew  residing  in  the  immediate  vicinity. 
It  is  an  organization  for  fellowship  and  for  mutual  assistance  in  ministerial 
work.  And  this  work  is  understood  to  embrace  all  efforts  toward  the  real 
uplift  of  the  people. 

1  loping  that  it  might  he  of  some  aid  in  advancing  the  interests  of  the  wage- 
earners  of  the  city,  the  secretary  was,  on  November  15,  1909,  "instructed  to 
ascertain  from  the  Central  Labor  Union  of  Springfield  whether  a  fraternal 
delegate  would  be  agreeable  to  them."  On  January  17.  1910,  the  secretary 
read  a  letter  from  the  Central  Labor  Union,  inviting  this  association  to  send 
a  fraternal   delegate  to  the   meetings  of  that   body.     It  was  voted   "to   accept 

the  invitation,  and  to  appoint  Rev.  F. 
XV.  Merrick  as  our  delegate."  Dr. 
Merrick  is  still  the  delegate,  uniformly 
reporting  the  most  cordial  relations  be- 
tween himself  and  the  union.  His 
repeated  assurances  of  desire  for  the 
advancement  of  the  workingmen  along 
all  lines  have  the  cordial  endorsement 
of   the   memhers  of   the   association. 

January  S.  1912,  John  Mitchell  ad- 
dressed a  special  meeting  of  the  asso- 
ciation, at  which  thirty-nine  men  were 
present.  He  spoke  on  "Organized 
Labor''  and  elicited  the  warmest  inter- 
est on  the  part  of  his  audience.  He  was 
thanked  for  his  illuminating  address 
and  invited  to  visit  our  meetings  at  any 
time  convenient  to  him.  It  is  evident 
that  moral  and  material  prosperity  are 
to  be  sought  alike,  and  the  clergy  of 
the  city  wish  to  he  counted  on  the  side 
of  every  reasonable  effort  along  both 
lines. 

An  industrial  platform  was  adopted 
rev.    dr.    frank   w.    merrick         by  the   association   Decemher   19,   1910, 

Fraternal     Delegate    from     the     Ministers'    which    was    published    bv   the    city    press 
Association.  ,  .  T    ".  .     1         ■    ,. 

the  next  morning.  It  is  substantially 
the  platform  of  the  Federal  Council  of 
the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  which  body  represents  twenty-two  millions 
of  Protestant  Christians.  The  platform  is  lengthy  and  need  not  he  reproduced 
in  full  at  this  time;  the  following  extracts  fairly  represent  the  position  of 
the  whole: 

"As  an  organization  of  pastors,  we  believe  that  every  dictate  ot  wisdom 
and  justice  alike  urges  us  to  know  the  industrial  situation,  to  find  the  points 
of  practical  agreement  between  organized  religion  and  organized  labor,  for 
example,  in  promoting  such  movements  as  that  for  the  abolition  of  child 
labor,  securing  a  living  wage  with  reasonable  conditions  of  employment,  work- 


Central  Labor  Union  History  115 


ingmen's  compensation  in  accidents,  international  peace,  the  large  social  use 
of  public  buildings  erected  and  maintained  by  general  taxation.  Above  all,  we 
recognize  our  duty  everywhere  and  always  to  insist  upon  justice,  social  as  well 
as  personal,  upon  brotherhood,  not  only  as  an  ideal,  but  as  a  practical  realiza- 
tion among  our  fellow-men,  upon  religion  as  the  greatest  need  of  mankind, 
without  which  favoring  conditions  are  unstable.  To  all,  whether  employes 
or  employers,  who  are  seeking  to  lift  the  crushing  burdens  of  the  poor,  and 
to  reduce  the  hardships  and  uphold  the  dignity  of  labor,  we  send  the  greeting 
of  human  brotherhood  and  the  pledge  of  sympathy  and  of  help  in  a  cause 
which   belongs  to   all   who   follow   Christ." 

The  events  of  the  months  following  the  adoption  of  this  platform  have  but 
confirmed  its  wisdom ;  its  principles  would  doubtless  be  reiterated  today  by 
the  members  of  this  association. 

Dr.  Merrick,  the  fraternal  delegate,  attends  the  meetings  of  the  Central 
body  as  often  as  his  ministerial  duties  will  permit,  and  he  makes  them  permit 
almost  every  month.  He  ever  has  a  cheery  message  for  the  body  and  his 
talks,  always  interesting  and  never  too  deeply  steeped  in  theology,  are  always 
accorded  a  careful  hearing.  Xever  too  busy  to  assist  the  cause  of  labor,  the 
doctor  has  on  many  occasions  gone  out  of  his  way  to  help  members  of  the  body 
whenever  called  upon.  He  is  a  valued  speaker  at  meetings  of  various  sub- 
ordinate bodies  and  is  a  true  friend  of  the  working  man.  He  is  the  beloved 
pastor  of  Faith  Congregational  Church,  at  the  corner  of  Fort  Pleasant  and 
Sumner  avenues.  A  new  church  of  handsome  structure,  the  fruits  of  an 
epoch-making  financial  campaign  in  the  city,  will  shortly  be  erected  for  him 
to  preside  over. 


Chicopee  Central  Labor  Union 


Prior  to  1892  the  Chicopee  lahor  unions  were  represented  by  delegates  in 
the  Springfield  Central  Labor  Union.  They  withdrew  from  that  bodv  in 
January  of  that  year  and  in  the  following  April  organized  the  Chicopee 
Central  Labor  Union,  with  John  H.  Gilmartin  as  president  and  Samuel 
McAuley  vice-president. 

The  early  books  of  the  organization  are  unavailable.  Since  1900  there 
have  been  few  important  local  strikes  or  controversies,  but  the  union  has 
done  its  part  in  rendering  moral  and  financial  support  to  the  labor  movement 
in   general. 


J '""  'mm 

^^1^1%,^^ 

w**1 

iflll 

JOHN    W.    WILLIAMS 
President    Chicopee    Central    Labor    Union 


The  union  workmen  of  Chicopee  are  well  represented  in  the  board  of 
aldermen  by  John  W.  Williams.  Matthew  A.  Hopkins  and  1).  1.  O'Connor. 
Alderman  George  Dion  was  a  member  of  the  Carpenters'  Union  until  he 
became  a  contractor,  and  is  considered  fair  to  union  labor. 

The  following  unions,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of  about  1,500  men. 
are  represented  in  the  Central  body:  Bartenders.  Cigar  Makers.  Painters  and 
Decorators.  Moving  Picture  Machine  Operators.  Trolleymen.  Carpenters. 
Plumbers.  Molders.  Barbers,  Xappers.  Brewery  Workers.  Loom  Fixers  (Chic- 
opee Falls).  The  Cigar  Makers.  Trolleymen  and  Plumbers  are  represented 
bv  deb-gate-   in  both   Chicopee  and   Springfield  Central  bodies. 


Central  Labor  Union*  History  11" 


The  present  officers  are: 

President — John  W.  Williams. 

Vice-President — Arthur   Vesper   (of   Springfield). 

Financial  and   Recording   Secretary — M.   A.  Morrissey. 
Treasurer — L.   O.   Fournier. 
Sergeant-at-Arms — Patrick   Mortell. 
The   union   meets   on   the   third    Sunday   of   every    month    in    the    Postoffice 
block. 


Westfield  Central  Labor  Union 


Westfield  Central  Labor  Union  has  a  particularly  interesting  history; 
therefore,  it  is  with  regret  that  we  find  it  necessary  (owing  to  limited  space) 
to  confine  this  article  to  an  outline  of  its  records  and  achievements.  In  fact, 
an  account  of  L.  A.  Bolio's  experiences  in  the  labor  field  would  fill  a  book 
well  worth  perusal. 

The   relationship  between   the   Westfield   and  Springfield   Central  bodies   is 


JAMES    C.    GENEROUS 


President      of     Westfield      Central      Labor 
Union 


close,   the  Cigar  Makers"   and  Trolleymen*s  Unions  having  representation   in 
both    Central  organizations. 

Westfield   Central   Labor   Union  was  organized  August  5,   lSdo,  with   the 
following  officers : 

President — L.  A.  Bolio. 

Vice-President — M.  J.  Rowland. 

Corresponding  and  Financial  Secretary — G.  A.  Herdman. 

Treasurer — \\*.  G.  Wesson. 

Recording  Secretary — T.  T.  Campbell. 

Sergeant-at-Arms — William  R.  Howard. 

Trustees — II.  R.  Davidson,  J.  II.  Clifford.  James  E.  Kirwin. 

Auditors— L.  H.  Sackett,   11.  R.   Halev.  William  Horan. 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


119 


The  union  affiliated  with  the  State  Branch.  American  Federation  of  Labor, 
in  1896.  A  charter  obtained  from  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  dated 
February  26,  1912,  bears  the  titles  of  the  following  unions:  Barbers,  Xo.  .33;  * 
Molders,  Xo.  95;  Carpenters,  Xo.  222;  Metal  Polishers,  Xo.  SO;  Painters.  Xo. 
290;  Bartenders,  Xo.  82;  Cigar  Makers,  Xo.  28;  Musicians,  Xo.  91;  Retail 
Clerks,  Xo.  170;  Teamsters,  Xo.  349;  Moving  Picture  Operators,  Xo.  ISO; 
Trolleymen,  Xo.  12. 

At  the  second  meeting  of  the  organization  an  ambitious  project,  for  a  new 
union  to  undertake,  was  discussed  and  immediate  steps  were  taken  to  begin 
work  upon  it.  The  result  was  one  of  the  finest  parades  and  field  days  ever 
held  in  Westfield.     The  financial  returns  were  large,  and  the  records  indicate 


L.    A.     BOLIO 


First      President      of       Westfield       Central 
Union 


remarkable  ability  and  earnest  work  on  the  part  of  the  committee  which  had 
the  enterprise   in   charge.     The   general    committee   was   made   up   as    follows: 

Carpenters'  Union,  F.  Hall,  G.  A.  Ilerdman;  Painters.  M.  J.  Rowland. 
\Y.  R.  Howard:  Casket  Hardware  Workers.  William  Horan,  J.  11.  Clifford; 
Cigar  Makers.  James  Kirwin.  Oscar   Rein. 

Sub-committees — Grove,  Rerwin.  Houghton,  Clifford;  music.  Wesson.  Hall, 
Haley;  refreshments,  Davidson.  Horan.  Bein ;  platform.  Hale,  Gooley,  Herd- 
man:  lights,  Kirwin,  Haley,  Herrick :  printing,  Campbell.  Haley.  Anthony; 
dancing,  Herrick,  Horan,   Haley;  sports.  Wesson.  Clifford,    Halev. 

L.   II.  Sackett  was  elected  marshal  of  the  daw 


120  Central  Labor  Union  History 


While  there  have  been  adverse  circumstances  and  strong  opposition  at 
times,    the    work    of    Westfield    Central    Labor    Union    has    been    remarkably 

successful. 

Among  the  features  of  its  history  which  reflect  particular  credit  upon  the 
organization  are  its  famous  field  days  and  its  efficient  work  in  organizing, 
guiding  and  supporting    (in   the  moral   sense)    the   individual   unions. 

Prominent  among  the  labor  leaders  of  Massachusetts  is  L.  A.  Bolio,  a 
contemporary  of  Bishop  X.  Saltus  and  Jeremiah  F.  Mahoney  in  the  work  of 
building  a  grand  fraternal  structure  among  the  labor  organizations  of  this 
section.  Air.  Bolio  is  still  active  in  the  work,  and  his  wise  counsel  and  sound 
judgment  are  valuable  to  both  organization  and  individual.  Mr.  Bolio  served 
as  president  until  about  five  years  ago. 
The  present  officers  of  the  union  are: 

President — James   C.   Generous. 

Vice-President — J.  C.   Geary. 

Financial   Secretary  and  Treasurer — II.   L.   Thatcher. 

Recording   Secretary — Michael   J.    Ferriter. 

Sergeant-at-Arms — George  Calkins. 
Westfield  Central  Labor  Union  is  now  preparing  plans  for  a  Labor  Day 
parade  and  field  day  to  be  held  this  year,  which  is  expected  to  be  one  of 
the  best  ever  held  in  the  county.  All  labor  organizations  of  Springfield, 
Holyoke  and  Chicopee  have  been  invited  to  participate  and  will  doubtless 
be  well  represented.  At  a  special  meeting,  May  19,  the  committee  will  present, 
complete  plans   for  the   celebration. 


The  Ludlow  Strike 


If  for  no  other  reason  than  the  action  taken  in  connection  with  the  Ludlow 
strike,  toward  the  end  of  1009,  the  Central  Labor  Union  justified  its  existence. 
The  cause  of  the  trouble  between  the  Ludlow  Manufacturing  Associates  and 
a  section  of  the  Polish  employes  was  immaterial  and,  owing  to  there  being 
no  organization  connected  with  the  strike,  the  Central  Labor  Union  really 
had  no  license  to  interfere,  but  the  action  of  the  authorities  in  evicting  the 
poor  people  from  their  homes  in  the  bitter  November  weather  was  a  com- 
pelling cause  and  from  motives  of  humanity  alone  the  interference  was 
justified. 

The  trouble  really  started  bv  the  refusal  of  thirty-six  bobbin  bovs  to 
accept  a  cut  oi  50  cents  a  week  from  their  meagre  pittance  of  $5.  Thev,  upon 
being  informed  of  the  proposed  cut  in  their  wages,  retaliated  bv  submitting 
a  request  lor  50  cents  a  week  more,  and  upon  the  refusal  of  their  emplovers 
to  concede  this  point,  immediately  struck  work.  Their  particular  portion  of 
the  work  was  then  banded  over  to  the  weavers.  These  workers,  being  on  the 
piece  system,  found  it  impossible  to  make  a  living  wage  with  the  bobbin  bovs' 
work  forced  on  them,  and  200  weavers  followed  the  example  of  the  bovs  and 
quit  their  looms.  Two  weeks  later  the  Associates  made  a  fresh  proposition, 
calling  the  original  striking  boys  together  and  offering  them  the  extra  50 
cents  demanded,  but  cutting  the  weavers  down  four  cents  on  the  rule,  making 
their  piece  scale  20  cents  on  the  rule  instead  of  the  2-1  cents  thev  had  been 
receiving.  The  new  proposal,  while  agreeable  to  the  boys,  caused  some 
indignation  among  the  weavers,  and  they  refused  emphatically  to  come  to 
any   such   terms. 

I  lie-  Ludlow  Associates  thereupon  began  importing  strike  breakers,  taking 
a  number  of  Creeks  into  the  nulls.  This  proceeding  raised  the  ire  of  the 
remainder  of  the  emploves  and  thev  went  out  in  sympathy  with  the  weavers. 
['Tench,  Scotch  and  Polish  people  were  now  involved  in  the  strike,  and  the 
management  changed  tactics  and  sent  awav  the  strike  breakers.  Thev.  bow- 
ever,  again  refused  to  concede  a  single  cent  to  the  weavers  and  the  battle 
roval   was   on. 

An  ultimatum  wa.s  then  issued  in  behalf  of  the  strikers  to  the  company. 
Thev  insisted  that  unless  arbitration  resulted  differeutlv  they  would  go  back 
to  work  on  the  following  terms:  The  companv  to  pav  the  weavers  the  wages 
they  were  receiving  before  the  strike,  or.  if  the  cut  were  conceded  by  the 
weavers,  the  win  le  of  the  employes  receiving  less  than  S'.i  a  week  to  receive  an 
increase  of  5  per  cent.  The  weaver-  had  hitherto  been  receiving  for  their 
piece  work  only  about  $10.50,  ad  the  proposition  put  up  to  the  management 
would  reduce  them  about  $1.50  a  week.  This  would  have  solved  the  difficulty 
for  the  time  being,  hut  the  employers  refused  to  recede  from  their  original 
position  with  regard  to  the  weaver-  and  utterly  repudiated  the  proposal  to 
concede   a   general    raise   oi    wages. 

In  furtherance  of  their  scheme  to  bend  the  strikers  to  their  will,  the  Asso- 
ciates then  commenced  a  -cries  of  persecution-  and  ultimately  evicted  a  number 
of  their  emploves  from  the  home-  thev  rented  from  the  companv.  I  he  first 
batch  evicted  was  sixteen  families,  these  comprising  many  boarder-,  and  it 
i-  computed  that  this  first  effort  of  the  company  rendered  homeless  some  .'100 
people.      The  scene  in  the  streets  of  Ludlow  was  a  pitiful  one.      Piles  of  furni- 


122 


Central  Lahor   L'xion    History 


tare  were  strewed  around  the  streets,  their  owners  sitting  disconsolately 
by.  many  with  infants  in  their  arms  and  little  children  hovering  round,  too 
young  to  comprehend  the  trouble  that  had  fallen  on  their  parents.  The 
streets  rapidly  took  on  the  appearance  of  a  camp,  many  improvising  tents 
from  bed  clothing  and  erecting  their  conking  stoves  underneath.  In  one  case 
tlie  stove  was  removed  from  the  house  while  the  dinner  was  in  process  <>\ 
cooking  and  the  family,  in  no  way  disconcerted,  resumed  their  preparations 
for  the  midday  meal  and  actually  ate  their  dinner  in  the  open.  These  tactics 
in  no  way  helped  the  mill  owners  and  sympathy  rapidly  accumulated  for  the 
striker-.  Practical  sympathy,  too.  for  on  the  suggestion  of  John  Hall.  Jr.. 
the  West  Springfield  Socialist  and  philanthropist,  a  number  of  cigar  boxes 
were  placed  on  top  of  the  piles  of  furniture  and  quite  a  harvest  of  coins  was 
raised  by  this  means.  This  suggestion  of  Mr.  Hall's  was  followed  up  by  that 
gentleman  by  the  importation  from  his  own  gardens  of  cartloads  of  vegetables, 
which  were  distributed  where  they  would  do  the  most  good,  and  other  mer- 
chants taking  up  the  burden  in  a  liberal  spirit,  cartloads  of  bread  following, 
together  with  barrels  of  crackers,  meats  and  other  eatables.  The  strikers 
were,  though  in  a  pitiable  plight,  not  allowed  to  go  hungry,  though  they 
were  homeless. 

A  walk  down  the  streets  where  these  people  had  been  herded  together  one 
morning  after  the  evictions  revealed  thirty  mothers  with  infants  clasped  to 
their  breasts,  many  of  the  women  barefoot  and  half  of  them  insufficiently 
clad,  hardly  proof  against  the  sharp  air  of  a  November  morning.  Among 
the  piles  of  furniture  were  to  be  seen  many  crucifixes,  cherished  for  the  old 
home  associations,  a  family  altar  six  feet  in  height,  which  had  been  used 
for  private  family  worship,  beds,  bedding  and  every  conceivable  utensil  that 
went  to  make  up  the  home  of  the  mill  worker. 

Whether  anticipatory  of  trouble  or  not.  a  circular  had  been  sent  a  year 
prior  to  this  to  1'oland.  of  which  the  following  is  a  free  translation — the 
circular   was  printed  in    Polish  and  other  kindred  languages.     It   read: 

The  town  of  Ludlow,  Alas-.,  is  a  very  beautiful  town  near  the  Chicopee 
river.  It  is  not  far  from  another  beautiful  place,  the  big  city,  Springfield. 
It  take.-  only  a  half-hour's  ride  by  electric  car  to  Springfield,  and  a  same 
amount  of  time  to  ride  to  Chicopee  and  Chicopee    Falls. 

Ludlow  has  a  population  of  5. 0(H)  people.  2.000  being  Polish.  There- 
are  in  this  neighborhood  0. 000  Polish.  Ludlow  has  a  state  savings  bank 
which  has  $45o.OiiO  capital.  The  biggest  share  of  this  money  belongs  to 
Polish  people.  Quite  a  few  Polish  people  have  beautiful  home-.  The 
town  has  three  free  public  schools.  It  also  has  a  Roman  Catholic  Polish 
church.  It  has  a  Polish  organization  of  St.  Michael,  and  other  Polish 
societies.     There   are    Polish    stores. 

The  church  is  under  the  management  of  Father  Stanislaw  Czelusniak. 
He  is  considered  a  responsible  Polish  priest,  and  his  words  should  be 
believed   by   everybody. 

Provisions  and  living  in  Ludlow  are  very  cheap.  All  the  houses  are- 
made  with  modern  improvements.  There  i-  water  in  every  house  in  the 
town.     Lent-  are  as   follow-: 

Four-room  tenement-.  $;"»  to  $(i  a  month. 
Six-room  tenements.  $7  to  $7..">0  a  month. 
Fisrht-room  tenement-.  $11  a  month. 


Central   Labor  Union   History  123 


The  eight-room  tenements  are  very  handy  for  keeping  boarders  and 
roomers.  People  get  S3  a  month  from  each  boarder.  This  includes 
washing. 

J  n  Ludlow  factory  there  arc  working  2.500.  <  ine-half  of  them  are 
Polish  men  and  women  from  fourteen  years  old  up.  Fifty-live  hour-  make 
a  week's  work.  The  factory  buildings  are  very  clean  and  nice.  Every 
member  in  the  family  from  fourteen  years  old  up  can  get  work.  You  can 
keep   house   for   very   small   expense.     Weekly   wages   follow: 

Bovs  and  girls,   from  $5  to  $0.50. 

Women  spinners,   from  $0.7-5  to  $9.25. 

Women  on   frames,   from  $5.50  to  $7. 

Women  on  machines,  from  $7.50  to  $10. 

Men  packing  webbing,   from  $0.75   to  $9.25. 

Men  weavers,   from  $10  to  $13. 

We  can  use  many  hands  in  the  factory.  Xew  buildings  are  being 
built  all  the  time,  and  we  can  always  give  work  to  new  hands. 

Ludlow.  Mass..  1907. 


To  My  Polish  Brothers: 

Mv  dear  brothers  all  over  Poland.  I  have  pleasure  to  introduce  and 
recommend  this  place  as  one  of  the  best  places,  and  I  hope  all  will  come 
and  make  a  success  here.  Everything  above  is  true  in  this  circular,  and 
those  who  come  here  will  establish  themselves  well. 

Stanislaw  Czelusniak,  Priest. 

(  )rders  were  issued  from  Washington  to  institute  proceedings  against  the 
Associates  under  the  Alien  Contract  labor  law,  it  being  alleged  that  the  cir- 
cular named  had  been  a  factor  in  inducing  several  hundred  Poles  and  Hun- 
garians to  leave  their  homes  and  come  to  America.  The  action  taken  by  the 
authorities  was  an  indirect  means  of  bringing  order  out  of  chaos  and  peace 
to  the  troubled  village. 

The  following  statement  by  one  of  the  leading  officials,  showing  the  attitude 
of  the  company  to  the  affair,  was  published  a  few  davs  after  the  evictions 
started  : 

"People  who  are  belching  over  with  sympathy  should  waste  it  on  the  oper- 
atives who  have  been  stoned  in  Ludlow  because  they  refused  to  work.  People- 
in  general  do  not  appreciate  what  we  have  done  for  the  Poles.  They  say  our 
actions  savor  of  the  mediaeval  ages,  but  I  want  to  say  that  1  and  the  Ludlow 
company  have  done  more  lor  the  Poles  than  anybody  or  any  organization  in 
this  state.  1  know  these  people,  and  I  have  treated  them  like  men  and  women. 
When  they  had  grievances  I  attended  to  them  immediately,  and  1  have  not 
left  one  stone  unturned  to  give  them  protection  in  everv  possible  way.  Xow 
they   turn  around  and  act   disgracefully   and  shamefully. 

"We  are  hiring  anvbodv  that  comes  along.  We  don't  regard  them  as  strike 
breakers,  either.  They  are  simply  men  and  women  who  are  anxious  to  work, 
and  we  are  going  to  give  them  work.  This  morning  we  took  in  sixty  people 
from  surrounding  towns  and  we  are  going  to  keep  on  hiring  until  every 
machine  in  our  mills  is  in  operation.  We  will  take  ITench.  Irish.  Creeks. 
Italians  and  those  of  anv  other  nationality   who  desire   to  work. 


124 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


"Public  sympathizers  have  called  us  animals  and  inhuman;  instead,  we  are 
the  ones  who  have  been  treated  like  brutes. 

"The  Poles  know  that  they  cannot  better  themselves  anywhere  else,  and 
that   is   why   they  are   sticking  here.  ^ 

"The  work  that  has  been  done  by  the  Poles  in  our  mills  is  not  skilled  labor. 
As  a  matter  of  fact,  it  is  crude,  elementary  work  that  can  be  done  by  almost 
any  immigrant  right  off  a  steamship.  It  can  be  picked  up  and  learned 
thoroughly  in  a  very  few  days.  It  is  not  a  high-paid  work,  we  will  agree, 
but  it  compares  favorably  with  wages  paid  in  any  of  the  cotton  mills  in 
Massachusetts. 

"The  Poles  are  a  poor,  misguided  people.  They  are  being  led  around  by 
the  nose  by  the  younger  set  of  Poles  whose  heads  have  been  swelled  by  more 
money  than  they  ever  received  before  in  their  lives.  Thev  wear  red  neckties, 
green  hats  and  fancy  shoes  and  strut  around  the  town  as  if  the  very  universe 
swung  on  the  policies  that  they  have  mapped  out.  Literally,  thev  have  advised 
their  older  brethren  to  cut  off  their  noses  to  spite  their  faces.  Put  the  burden 
i  if  this  piece  of  folly  will  fall  upon  the  men  and  women  who  have  families 
dependent  upon  them." 

This  shows  the  attitude  of  the  company,  who  practically  dictated  to  the 
uneducated  foreigner  and  stranger  within  our  gates.  The  arbitration  board 
was  suggested  as  a  means  of  solving  the  difficulty,  and  here  the  Central  Labor 
Union   came   into   the   struggle. 

A  committee  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  was  chosen  to  proceed  to  Ludlow 
with  a  view  to  ascertaining  the  exact  state  of  affairs.  The  people  were  found 
to  be  in  a  deplorable  condition  and  suspicious  of  everv  English-speaking  person 
that  approached  them.  Nothing,  in  fact,  could  be  done  with  such  an  unwieldy 
committee  as  had  been  appointed  and  the  committee  finallv  resolved  itself  into 
a   committee   of  one.   in   the   person   of   George    YVrenn. 

Following  up  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Hall  of  West  Springfield,  who  had 
continued  his  philanthropic  effort.-  bv  sending  along  daily  a  cartload  of  vege- 
tables. Walter  LaFrancis  organized  a  body  of  the  striking  girls  and.  advancing 
the  money  for  gypsy  kettles,  had  a  number  of  tripods  made  and  placed  them 
along  Main  and  other  streets  in  Springfield  with  a  placard  to  appeal  for 
practical  help  for  the  persecuted  ones.  The  scheme  was  an  instant  success, 
for  the  first  day's  takings  footed  up  to  several  hundred  dollars.  The  plan 
was  extended  and  embraced  the  outlying  districts,  and  thus  immediate  neces- 
sities  were   met  pending   a    settlement   of   the    strike. 

Leaving  Mr.  Wrenn  in  charge  of  affair-  locally,  the  rest  of  the  committee 
came  to  Springfield  and  put  the  state  of  affairs  before  Mayor  Sanderson.  That 
gentleman  was  unwilling  to  interfere  at  fir-t  and  claimed  that  it  was  out  of 
his  jurisdiction.  The  evictions  were  going  on  and  argument  finally  overcame 
the  prejudice  of  11  is  Honor,  and  Mr.  Gradv,  one  of  the  committee,  induced 
him  to  call  Boston  on  the  long-distance  "phone.  Mr.  Grady  took  the  wire  on 
behalf  of  the  mavor  and  succeeded  in  interesting  the  proper  authorities  in 
Boston  and  a  promise  was  obtained  that  the  board  would  visit  Ludlow  imme- 
diately. They  came,  but  the  suspicious  nature  of  the  Pole-  and  the  stubborn 
attitu.de  of  the  Ludlow  Manufacturing  Associates  officials  rendered  their  visit 
futile,  and  thev  went  back  to  Boston  without  accomplishing  anything.  Lieu- 
tenant-Governor Frothingham  was  appealed  to  to  endeavor  to  stop  the  evictions 
and  counsel   was  engaged  in  this  citv  bv  the  Central   Labor  Union  to  look  up 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


125 


precedents  in  the  matter.  The  lieutenant-governor,  who  was  at  that  time 
acting  governor,  was  on  a  visit  to  the  Northampton  institution  for  the  insane, 
and  his  activity  was  a  means  of  preventing  further  evictions. 

Meanwhile  the  Central  Lahor  Union  committee  had  not  been  idle  locally. 
Appeals  were  sent  out  to  the  locals  and  in  a  short  time  money  began  to  pour 
in  from  this  source,  between  $2,000  and  $2,500  being  sent  to  Joseph  Koroski, 
who  was  treasurer  of  the  relief  committee  in  Ludlow.  .Many  boxes  of  clothing 
were  collected  by  John  Hurley  from  various  sources,  and  barrels  of  crackers 
and  bread   were  being  sent   into  the  town. 

A  large  meeting  was  held  at  Foster's  Hall,  Indian  Orchard,  the  Polish 
people  attending  in  hundreds  and  being  packed  like  sardines  in  a  barrel.  It 
was  suggested  that  the  people  return  to  work.  The  company  had  come  to  an 
arrangement  with  them  and  wished  to  have  the  .'5,000  strikers  go  to  work  at 
once,  it  was  pointed  out  by  Mr.  Hennessey  that  such  a  feat  as  placing  so 
manv  bands  at  once  would  be  almost  impossible,  and  finally  a  compromise  was 
effected,  to  take  the  strikers  back  150  at  a  time.  Trouble  started  the  first  day. 
for  when  the  first  150  arrived  in  the  shops  they  found  a  number  of  Greeks 
at  work,  and  thev  immediately  left  the  place  and  refused  to  work  with  them. 
This  was  a  misunderstanding,  and  Mr.  Wrenn  once  more  interviewed  both 
sides  to  the  dispute  and  straightened  matters  out. 

When  matters  were  at  their  worst  in  the  village.  Rev.  George  Venn  Daniels 
of  Carew  Street  Baptist  Church  visited  the  scene  of  the  trouble  and  his  views 
were  so  pointed  that  thev  are  worth  reproducing. 

"And  over  the  pile  of  stuff  that  made  up  their  household  goods,  thev  had  set 
up  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  and  there  in  the  streets  of  Ludlow  1  blushed  for  the 
flag  of  my  adopted  country,"  so  the  reverend  gentleman  described  the  appear- 
ance of  an  evicted  family  in  the  streets  of  Ludlow.  Mr.  Daniels,  who  had 
made  a  visit  through  the  town  one  afternoon,  spoke  extemporaneously  the 
same  night,  denouncing  the  action  oi  the  owners  in  turning  the  families  into 
the    streets. 

He  drew  a  lesson  from  his  visit  to  the  stricken  community,  saving:  "These 
people  have  come  from  Poland,  over  which  Russia  lias  set  its  iron  heel.  Thev 
come  here  to  find  civilization  and  justice,  and  even  it  thev  are  in  the  wrong 
as  strikers,  thev  deserve  a  square  deal."  lie  told  of  some  of  the  sufferings  ,>f 
the  people  of  the  town  and  drew  graphically  the  picture  oi  a  lamilv  turned 
out   by  sheriffs  and  a  sick  baby  sent  to  the  hospital. 

Mr.  Daniels  said:  "These  reports  in  the  newspapers  make  us  blush  for 
shame  when  we  read  them,  the  massacres  and  evictions  in  Russia  and  the 
evictions  of  tenants  in  Ireland.  We  feel  for  those  who  suffer  in  that  frost- 
bound  land  of   Northern    Europe,   and  the  tenants  evicted  in    Ireland. 

"Then  we  sav  :  'Thank  God  that  we  live  in  a  country  where  men  are  free 
and  equal  and  have  liberty  oi  conscience  and  lives.  Where  oppression  never 
c<  Hues  and   we   set-   no  evictions." 

"In  the  good  old  state  of  Massachusetts  and  in  religious  Springfield,  this 
very  afternoon  I  saw  little  children  and  women  sobbing  near  piles  of  their 
household  goods  in  our  streets,  for  Indian  <  trcbard  is  part  of  our  city.  Tonight 
thev  have  no  covering  over  their  beads,  and  I  thank  God  that  the  weather  is 
not   near  zero. 

"Somehow  inv  svmpathies  are  with  the  under  dog.  It  can  never  be  right 
for  wealth   to  turn   women   and  children  out    ot    homes   into  the   streets.     The 


12fi 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


people  went  nut.  not  because  they  wouldn't  pay  rent,  or  because  they  couldn't 
pay   rent,  but   because  the  owners  wanted  them  out. 

"(  )  devasted  Russia,  landlord  ridden  Ireland,  free  Massachusetts  and 
religious  Springfield!  1  saw  this  afternoon  a  girl  who  had  worked  in  the 
mills  for  five  years,  three  of  the  years  at  $4  a  week,  .and  in  the  later  years 
she  supported  a  husband  who  could  not  work  because  he  had  consumption, 
thrown  out  into  the  streets! 

"I  am  told  that  there  are  few  companies  in  the  state  that  make  the  profit 
that  this  one  does.  The  highest  wages  I  heard  of  were  $12  a  week,  and  most 
of  them  -poke  of  earning  SO  cents  a  day.  A  man  cannot  own  more  than  two 
automobiles   on    that   pay. 

"I  haven't  always  been  in  sympathy  with  the  actions  of  some  labor  unions 
where  trouble  has  been  stirred  up  by  a  delegate  who  has  to  earn  his  pay,  but 
when  people  are  turned  out  of  their  home  I  would  be  ashamed  to  stand  here 
and  not  speak  of  it. 

"It  is  a  lasting  stain  on  a  country,  a  state  and  a  city,  to  have  such  a  thing 
happen,  and  if  it  is  law.  let  us  change  the  law.  You  would  have  felt  better  if 
the  people  had  only  made  some  resistance,  but  they  took  it  all  humbly  without 
disturbance.'' 

But  there  is  another  side  to  this  Ludlow  strike  which  has  been  but  lightly 
touched  i'ii.  and  it  is  only  justice  to  the  Ludlow  Manufacturing  Associates  that 
it  should  be  set  forth.  It  justifies  the  claim  set  forth  in  the  circular  sent, 
whether  wisely  or  not,  to  Europe,  that  the  village  was  a  model  one.  Since 
!>»*<>  it  has  been  the  aim  of  the  company  to  make  the  village  a  model  for  the 
class  of  textile  worker  that  they  employ,  and  it  is  -ate  to  say  that  had  there 
been  an  intelligent  organization  to  handle  the  difficulty  at  the  commencement, 
the  strike  could  have  been  avoided.  Many  weightier  and  important  questions 
have  been  handled  since  this  strike  was  called  and  little  difficulty  ha-  been 
experienced  in  obtaining  a  settlement.  The  lines  upon  wdiich  the  Associates 
have  worked  have  been  philanthropic — at  HA  per  cent.  This  is  not  an  exces- 
sive return  on  the  money  invested,  considering  the  price  paid  for  real  estate 
these  days. 

For  manv  years  Ludlow  has  been  described  as  one  of  the  "model"  manu- 
facturing communities  of  the  world.  It  has  been  listed  with  Whitinsville, 
Hopedale.  Oak  Lark  in  Willimantic.  Conn.,  the  National  Cash  Register  Com- 
panv's  community  in  Dayton.  (  )..  and  similar  communities  throughout  the 
countrv.  Investigators  have  visited  the  town  and  looked  into  condition.-,  and 
most  of  them  have  reported  that  the  company  was  fining  great  good  for  its 
employes. 

In  an  article  in  the  Springfield  Union  the  writer,  after  discussing  the  rea- 
sons for  -trikes  in  model  communities,  says:  It  is  true  that  the  Ludlow 
Manufacturing  Associates  have  long  been  active  in  "welfare  work."  a-  it  is 
called.  Among  their  institutions  are  a  textile  school,  evening  school  for 
foreigner.-,  evening  technical  school,  hospital,  girls'  boarding  house.  Stevens 
Memorial  building  with  its  gymnasium,  swimming  pool,  library,  reading  rooms, 
girls'  parlor,  recreation  room,  pool  room,  bowling  allevs,  sewing  classes, 
cooking  classes  and  other  classes,  athletic  field,  summer  camp.  bank,  church 
and  -mailer  institutions.  It  leases  the  high  school  building  to  the  town,  and 
supports  tlie  Hubbard  Memorial  library,  which  was  given  to  the  town  as  a 
memorial   to  Charles  T.    Hubbard,   who  started   the  welfare  work   that   is  now 


Central  Labor  Union   History  127 

being  carried  on.  It  is  said  the  welfare  work  has  cost  the  company  $200,000 
in  the  last  fifteen  years.  Conditions  would  indicate  that  those  who  are  being 
"'lifted"  do  not  care  for  the  lift,  although  no  one  who  has  investigated  can 
help  admitting  that  they  are  better  housed  and  have  more  advantages  than 
can  be  found  in   most  factory  towns. 

In  his  brief  submitted  at  the  time  of  the  tariff  hearings  to  the  congressional 
wavs  and  means  committee,  the  president  of  the  Ludlow  Manufacturing  Asso- 
ciates. Cranmore  X.  Wallace  of  Boston,  had  the  following  to  say  about  the 
welfare  work  in  Ludlow: 

"Compare  this  condition  of  living  (in  India)  with  the  great  attention  paid 
to  improving  the  conditions  of  the  employes  at  Ludlow,  and  to  the  large  amount 
of  money  expended  for  this  purpose;  all  of  which  is  a  tax  on  the  industry 
and  has  to  be  paid  for  out  of  the  earnings.  This  social  improvement  may  be 
considered  as  additional  wages,  or,  as  it  has  been  styled,  a  'dividend  to  labor." 

"The  Ludlow  Manufacturing  Associates  have  always  paid  great  attention 
to  the  welfare  of  their  employes.  In  the  United  States  census  of  1SS0  three 
Xew  England  villages  were  selected  as  representing  the  highest  types  of 
housing  for  manufacturing  employes,  Ludlow  being  one. 

"Since  !>><•  it  has  been  the  ambition  of  the  Ludlow  managers  to  make  the 
village  of  Ludlow  a  model  for  other  manufacturers  to  copy,  and  we  submit 
that  there  is  not  to  be  found  in  the  United  States  a  village,  employing  the 
class  of  textile  labor  employed  by  its.  that  can  show  better  housing  conditions 
or  more  facilities  for  thrift,  education  and  recreation. 

"Believing  that  a  sound  and  healthy  municipal  life  is  dependent  upon  the 
soundness  of  the  individual  home,  and  that  such  homes  are  fostered  by  indi- 
vidual houses,  the  company  has  built  up  a  cottage  community.  This  form 
of  housing  is  much  more  expensive  than  housing  in  cheap  tenements r  the 
cottages,  however,  are  rented  at  about  one-half  the  cost  charged  for  similar 
cottages  in  the  neighborhood.  The  average  weekly  charge  for  these  cottages 
is  on  a  basis  of  :1s  cents  a  room In  this  way  the  Ludlow  Manu- 
facturing Associates  are  trying  (and  we  think  successfully)  to  Americanize 
the  foreigners,  make  better  citizens  of  their  other  employes  and  to  solve  the 
problem  of  the  relationship  between  labor  and  capital. 

"We  consider  that  in  all  these  ways  the  people  of  the  village  are  sharers 
in  the  prosperity  of  the  concern.  All  this  takes  thought,  time  and  money; 
and  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge  and  belief  nothing  of  the  sort  is  being  done 
in   I  )undee  and  ( 'alcutta." 

The  above,  in  a  nutshell,  continues  the  ('itii)ii  writer,  is  the  Associates' 
statement  of  its  reasons  for  conducting  the  welfare  work  now  so  much  dis- 
cussed.  It  sounds  good,  but  doubt  arises  as  to  whether  this  welfare  work 
is  wholly  a  "tax  on  the  industry,"  a  "dividend  to  labor"  or  to  be  "considered 
as   additional    wages." 

Although  we  have  the  statement  of  Agent  Stevens  and  Mr.  Wallace  to  the 
effect  that  the  tenement  houses  are  not  an  investment,  and  that,  indeed,  some- 
times thev  do  not  more  than  meet  interest  charge-,  we  also  have  the  statement 
of  ILidgett  Meakin.  the  English  sociologist,  who  says,  in  his  book.  "Model 
Factories  and  Villages."  with  relation  to  Ludlow:  "The  rent-  charged  provide 
a  payment  of  0 '  _>  per  cent  on  the  capital  invested,  but  this  return  to  the 
shareholders  is  wisely  held  to  include  the  better  and  steadier  class  of  workers 
thereby   attracted,   and   the   consequent    saying   of    friction    and    waste."      Three 


L2S 


(  extral  Labor  Uxiox   History 


and  one-half  per  cent  interest  is  nearly  as  much  as  the  Poles  and  Americans, 
for  that  matter,  who  deposit  money  in  savings  hanks,  art'  allowed  on  their 
money.  Rut  it  is  only  justice  to  the  company  to  state  that  in  per  cent  is 
commonly  the  lowest  aeeeptahle  return  on  real  estate,  and  in  letting  out  its 
houses  for  a  3A  per  cent  return  the  Associates  cannot  he  accused  of  grinding 
down   their  tenants. 

The  Stevens  Memorial  huilding  is  an  admirahle  structure.  It  was  built 
within  the  last  few  years,  and  equipped  at  cost  approaching  $40,000.  The 
gymnasium  is  one  of  the  finest  in  Massachusetts,  and  can  he  transformed  into 
an  assembly  hall  when  occasion  demands.  The  Associates  have  a  social  secre- 
tary who  arrange.^  classes  of  girls  in  various  household  industries,  sewing. 
cooking,  dishwashing,  making  a  coal  fire,  cleaning  glass,  silverware,  greasv 
dishes  and  pans,  etc.  The  secretary  also  enrolls  the  children  and  girls  in 
gymnastic  classes,  helps  the  older  girls  to  form  habits  of  neatness  and  cleanli- 
ness, and  improve  their  condition  in  other  ways.  The  huilding  has  a  hand- 
somely appointed  reading  room,  where  periodicals  dealing  with  all  subjects 
are  on  file,  and  which  is  well  patronized  in  the  fall  and  winter.  Various  clubs 
are  organized  for  social  and  educational  uplift,  classes  for  the  teaching  of 
English  to  Poles  and  Italians,  and  other  special  classes.  All  of  these  move- 
ments are  practically  free  to  those  of  the  townspeople  who  wish  to  take 
advantage  of  them.  A  slight  charge  is  made  (differing  according  to  the 
courses  that  are  taken)  to  make  the  courses  more  valuable,  for  it  is  commonly 
appreciated  that  a  thing  one  has  to  pay  something  for  is  regarded  as  much 
more   valuable  than   something  obtained   without   cost. 

The  textile  school  is  another  means  the  Associates  have  employed  for  the 
betterment  of  their  workers.  This  school  is  not  wholly  benevolent,  although 
the  companv  conducts  it  free  of  charge  and  even  pays  its  employes  to  attend 
it.  A  competent  instructor  is  at  the  head  of  this  school.  Boys  between  the 
ages  of  14  and  IS  are  taken  from  the  mill  and  placed  in  this  school,  where 
thev  studv  half  the  day.  working  the  other  half,  the  company  paving  them 
full-time  wages.  Thev  are  taught  the  elements  of  woodworking,  turning,  iron 
working,  knife  and  bench  work,  drafting  and  other  important  practical  branches 
of  education.  The  textile  school  occupies  the  huilding  formerly  used  for  an 
office.  The  object  of  the  company  in  keeping  up  the  school  is  to  educate  its 
employes  to  become  foremen  of  rooms  and  departments.  In  the  past  the 
company  has  been  compelled  to  go  abroad  for  a  foreman  when  one  has  removed 
from  town  or  died.  Methods  are  different  in  different  factories,  and  the 
company  believes  that  by  training  its  own  foremen  it  can  get  better  results 
in  the  future.  The  brightest  bovs  are  taken  from  the  carious  departments, 
and  until  the  strike  came  the  company  had  regarded  the  textile  school  as  the 
most  important  and  successful  of  its  welfare  institutions. 

The  Ludlow  Hospital  Society  has  been  recently  established.  Every  employe 
of  the  company  is  entitled  to  be  a  member  of  the  society,  the  fee  being  nominal. 

Yet  with  all  the  advantages  (.'numerated,  employes  will  strike-.  Why? 
Employers  are  pessimistic  and  attribute  the  difficulty  they  ever  experience  to 
the  suspicious  nature  of  the  illiterate  foreigner  and  say  the  answer  is  to  be 
found  in  demagogerv.  Out  of  the  stress  and  strife  of  this  difficulty  was 
born  Textile  Workers.  Xo.  72<>,  which  will,  it  is  fondly  hoped,  prevent  further 
trouble  in   Ludlow  textile  circles. 


The  Co-Operative  Laundry 


Probably  the  most  disastrous  enterprise  with  which  the  Central  Labor 
Union  has  been  connected  in  its  twenty-five  years  of  existence  was  the 
origination  and  carrying  on  of  the  co-operative  laundry,  which,  after  some 
trouble  with  local  laundries,  was  started  in  May.  1905,  with  the  purchase  of 
$."»<"•  worth  of  stock.  Hie  local  unions  were  interested  in  the  scheme  and 
money  poiired  in  to  help  along  the  grand  effort,  it  being  estimated  that  between 
$10,000   and    $12,000    was   placed    in    the    treasury    of    the    laundry    committee. 

The  idea  was  to  have  one  of  the  best-equipped  laundries  in  the  country 
and.  in  addition  to  expensive  machinery,  the  high-priced  help  and  excellent 
wages  paid  to  the  rank  and  file,  an  excellent  system  of  utilizing  the  waste  was 
inaugurated.  The  highly  priced  superintendents  were  found  to  know  very 
little  about  their  business,  and  as  fast  as  their  inefficiency  was  discovered  they 
wen-  replaced  by  other  men.  much  money  being  expended  in  finding  the  right 
man.  who.  alas,  was  newer  found.  Even  before  organization  was  effected,  a 
sum  of  S 1  .t'.i i< )  was  subscribed  for  stock,  and  at  the  meeting  to  organize,  which 
was  held  in  the  Central  Labor  L'nion  Hall,  the  following  hoard  of  officers 
was  chosen  : 

President — (ohn  C.    Bennett. 
Treasurer — Walter    J.    La  Francis. 
(  lerk — ( ieorge  \ Tincens. 

Directors — The  president  and  treasurer,  ex  officio.  M.  I.  Keliher, 
\Y.  II.  Grady.  Henry  L.  Thomas,  Paul  II.  Rappold.  Joseph  \Y. 
(riddle,    hdwin   (  ).    Dodge  and    Freeman    Dishav. 

The  articles  oi  incorporation  were  based  on  an  English  co-operative  society. 
the  Rochdale  (Lancashire)  plan,  which  had  met  with  a  great  deal  of  success 
in  the  old  country.  The  capital  stock  of  the  company  was  $."),000,  but.  as  has 
been  said,  money  poured  in  like  water. 

The  new  laundry  started  in  on  too  big  a  scale,  however,  and  mismanage- 
ment, added  to  its  other  difficulties,  soon  told  its  tale,  and  the  venture,  after  a 
precarious  career  of  a  little  over  a  year.  died,  the  union-  in  the  city  not  having 
come  to  it>  support  with  that  enthusiasm  that  was  anticipated.  Richard 
Hennessey  had  always  opposed  the  scheme,  but  many  others  thought  highly 
of  it.  even  to  risking  their  personal  funds  in  it.  Finally.  George  Lavne  was 
put  in  when  the  end  was  inevitable,  and  that  useful  member  in  his  managerial 
capacity  saved  some  ot  the  wreck  for  the  shareholder-.  The  venture  tauglu 
the  delegates  such  a  lesson  that  it  is  improbable  the  Central  Labor  L'nion 
will  "D  into  business  again  on  it<  own  account. 


Some  Notable  Speeches 


Manv  notable  speakers  have  from  time  to  time  addressed  the  delegates  to 
the  Central  Labor  Union,  the  inauguration  of  the  "Educational  hour"  by  the 
body  a  couple  of  years  ago  bringing  speakers  of  all  classes  and  creeds  to  the 
platform.     Among  the  many  notable  talks,  a  short  address  by  Rev.  Dr.  Frank 

\Y.  Merrick,  the  fraternal  delegate  from  the  Ministers'  Association,  stands 
out,  and  the  wish  was  expressed  by  many  delegates  that  it  should  be  preserved. 
The  McXamara  trials  had  been  concluded  and  the  Lawrence  strike  was  a 
disturbing  clement  at  the  time,  and  the  reverend  gentleman's  remarks  could 
not  lie  delivered  in  person,  owing  to  duties  that  prevented  his  attendance  at 
the  meeting  in  February  of  this  year.  A  summary  was  read  by  Financial 
Secretary  Charles  B.  Porter,  to  whom  the  doctor  had  entrusted  the  delivery 
of  his  message.     The  summary   is  in   substance  as  follows: 

"I  need  not  remind  you  that,  industrially,  these  are  strenuous  daws.  Every- 
body, to  some  degree,  feels  the  situation.  The  words  and  deed-  of  manv  are- 
hysterical  and  often  are  either  foolish  or  wicked.  Under  these  conditions,  I 
wish  to  call  your  attention  to  several  matters  of  common  interest.  The  first 
is  the  type  of  industrial  leadership  demanded.  This  is  both  a  eountrv-wide 
and  even  a  world-wide  interest,  and  it  is  especially  a  locality  and  a  trade 
interest.  On  another  occasion,  when  speaking  before  the  local  Typographical 
Lnion.  I  called  the  attention  of  those  present  to  the  kind  of  leadership  that 
every  useful  organization  should  have  and  that  is  especially  demanded  now 
in  the  industrial  field.  Without  repeating  what  I  said  on  that  occasion,  let 
me  remind  this  Central  body  that  there  is  no  greater  question  before  organized 
labor  today,  for  it  not  only  involves  the  internal  peace  and  growth  of  the 
organization  but  also  the  good  will  of  the  public,  which  is  the  greatest  asset 
any  body  of  men  can  have. 

"The  unfortunate  condition  at  Lawrence  in  our  Commonwealth  is  a  good 
illustration.  A  large  section  of  the  general  community  was  quite  sympathetic 
toward  the  strikers,  but  the  sympathy  has  decidedly  waned  since  the  coming  of 
certain  would-be  labor  leaders,  who  have  not  the  confidence  of  the  disinterested 
portion  of  the  public.  Again,  certain  persons  prominent  in  labor  circles  and 
among  labor's  professed  friends  are  today  under  investigation.  The  govern- 
ment seems  to  lie  quite  impartial  in  this  function.  Under  the  circumstances, 
you  and  I  and  every  other  good  citizen  should  put  no  block  in  the  wav  of 
fair  and  impartial  justice,  but  rather  lend  our  assistance  to  everything  which 
means  intelligence  through  publicity  and  justice  through  fair  treatment  of  all 
concerned.  |  Manv  warrant-  were  at  the  time  out  for  labor  leaders  in  all  sec- 
tions of  the  country  in  connection  with  the  dynamite  outrages  for  which  the 
McXamara  brother-  were  convicted. —  Ed.] 

"Once  more  it  i-  to  the  credit  of  organized  labor  that,  despite  some 
wretched  treatment  that  it  has  received  recently  at  the  hand-  of  some  of  its 
public  exponents,  it  hold-  the  good  will  and  respect  of  manv  leader-  of  public 
opinion  whose  sympathy  i-  an  asset  not  to  be  ignored.  I  refer  particularly 
to  Louis  IX  lirandeis  and  ( irafton  I),  dishing,  speaker  of  the  Massachusetts 
I  louse  of  Representatives,  whose  recent  word-  relative  to  the  situation  at 
Lawrence  are  worth}'  ot  the  attention  of  every  citizen  of  the  Commonwealth. 
No   better   apology    for   labor   organisation   has   been   given   out    in   a   long  time 


Central  Labor  Union   History 


131 


than  that  in  Mr.  Brandeis'  words;  while  the  square  insistence  upon  publicity 

and  justice  in  industrial  enterprise  is  genuinely  honorable  on  the  part  of  the 
speaker  of  the  House.  Air.  Lushing." 

The  address  before  the  Typographical  Union,  mentioned  by  Dr.  Merrick, 
was  delivered  on  the  occasion  of  an  open  invitation  by  that  body  to  non-union 
members  of  the  craft  in  an  endeavor'  to  show  them  the  advantages  to  be 
derived  from  organization.  The  address  goes  more  fully  into  the  question 
of  leadership,  and  is  here  reproduced  by  the  courtesy  of  the  speaker: 

'"It  is  a  pleasure  to  accept  the  courtesy  of  the  invitation  of  the  Typo- 
graphical Union  to  be  present  today  and.  with  others,  say  a  few  words  appro- 
priate, I  trust,  to  the  occasion  and  the  season.  Let  me  tell  you  first  of  all 
how  thoroughly  I  appreciate  the  generous  spirit  and  wisdom  vou  have  shown 
m  opening  your  doors  today  and  extending  your  hospitality  to  non-union 
printers.  To  them  as  well  as  to  you  I  am  glad  to  say  that  1  believe  in 
organized  labor,  the  trade  union,  as  1  believe  in  organized  business,  the  firm. 
corporation  or  board  of  trade:  in  organized  education,  the  school;  in  organized 
and  efficient  government,  the  state;  and  in  organized  religion,  the  church, 
benefits   shared  create   responsibilities   that   should   be   fulfilled. 

"I  wish  to  call  your  attention  today  to  the  subject  of  'Leadership.'  a  theme 
just  now  particularly  appropriate  everywhere,  and  reinforced  bv  the  season 
of  the  Advent  in  the  calendar  of  the  Christian  church.  One  of  the  most 
refreshing  evidences  oi  the  essential  sanity  of  the  great  body  of  organized 
labor  throughout  our  country  today  is  its  own  utterances  on  the  subject  of 
leadership  and  determination  widely  expressed  that  it-  leadership  -hall  become 
more  and  more  worth}'  of  itself  and  of  the  host-  that  follow,  The  old  game 
of  the  playground,  'follow  your  leader.'  i-  suggestive.  It  is  an  earlv  evidence 
of  the  need  and  the  demand  in  human  kind  for  leadership.  We  are  something 
more  than  a  herd,  but  we  are  a  herd.  Personality  i-  the  roi  t  idea  in  leader-hip. 
Without  it  leadership  cannot  be.  With  it.  whatever  else  appears,  leadership 
will  remain. 

"It  is  too  commonly  thought  thru  'a  pull'  is  necessary  to  attain  leader-hip; 
but  it  is  more  often  true  that  the  leader-hip  make-  the  pull  than  the  reverse 
of  the  proposition.  Leader-hip  can  exist  without  learning,  culture,  wealth, 
high  birth  or  exalted  position;  and  it  persists  with  defects  and.  even  with  petty 
vices,  because  rooted  in  some  indefinable  charm  or  strength  in  the  personality. 
Leader-hip  oi  the  best  kind  must  always  he  associated,  however,  with  a  cer- 
tain rugged  honesty,  -ingle-hearted  purpose,  broad  intelligence  and  genuine 
sympathy.  The  great  social  movements  of  the  dav  are  conspicuous  instances 
of  mv  meaning,  for  example,  the  social  legislation  program  oi  the  present 
liberal  government  in  Lngland.  under  the  prime  minister.  Mr.  Asquith.  and 
the  chancellor  of  the  exchequer.  Mr.  (leorge.  is  a  fine  illustration  of  mv  mean- 
ing. The  attainments  oi  the  past  four  years  in  Parliament  have  been  possible 
because  these  men  have  led.  and  their  boldnes-  in  proclaiming  their  program 
for  the  future,  wherebv  they  theoretically  risk  being  'tipped  out.'  i-  proof 
Hi"   what    honest   courageous   leader-hip   can   do. 

"Leadership  in  a  democracy  is  highly  important,  and  under  that  condition 
too  great  emphasis  cannot  be  laid  upon  it.  In  the  future,  more  than  before, 
the  quality  of  the  following  will  be  such  that  not  only  in  the  unusual  ex  peri  en  ce- 
nt' storm  and  peril,  but  in  the  daily  ongoing  oi  mir  great  enterprises,  leader-hip 
will  be  demanded.      The  boss  must   go;   but    the  leader  nm-t    remain.      It   i-   for 


Central  Lauor  Union   History 


such  a  purpose  as  this,  in  Mich  a  time  as  ours,  that  the  great  opportunity  and 
duty  i>t   organized  labor  must   he  made  clear." 

The  last  address  prior  to  the  publication  of  this  hook  delivered  bv  Dr. 
Merrick  on  May  <!,  1P12,  before  the  Central  Labor  Cnion,  is  full  of  meat  and 
good  food  for  thought  bv  all  laboring  men.  It  concerns  statesmanship,  an 
element  which  labor  organizations  should  ever  be  on  the  lookout  for  exponents 
thereof.  Xo  apology  is  needed  for  making  this  a  part  of  the  history  of  the 
Central    Labor   Cnion.  and  the  remarks  of  the  fraternal  delegate   follow: 

"There  never  was  a  time  when  in  the  councils  of  organized  labor  the 
demand  for  statesmanship  in  the  conduct  of  industrial  interests  was  so  impera- 
tive as  it  is  today.  The  cheap  pettifogger,  the  hypocritical  demagog,  the 
insidious  grafter,  and  all  others  who  belong  to  that  infernal  brood  seek  to 
fasten  themselves  upon  every  growing  movement  that  they  think  they  can 
use.  It  is  not  strange  that  organized  labor  should  have  its  troubles  here  and 
there  occasionally  from  this  element,  but  in  your  ranks,  a-  in  every  other 
organization  the  aim  of  which  is  to  serve  men  usefully,  eternal  vigilance  is 
not   only    the   price   of  liberty,   but   ot    life   and   power. 

"If  I  call  your  attention  today  to  the  demand  for  statesmanship  in  the  trade 
union  movement,  it  may  he  that  good  service  may  he  rendered  you.  Let  me 
mention  several  particulars,  one  or  two  of  them,  with  some  degree  of  com- 
pleteness. The  spirit  of  the  local  and  the  central  unions  everywhere  needs 
guarding  from  unwholesome  efforts  and  influences.  Vou  have  reached  one 
million  and  three-fourths  in  vour  membership,  the  high  mark  in  vour  history. 
Vou  have  had  men  in  your  membership  like  the  McXamaras  who  have  been 
a  curse  to  vou:  but  the  attitude  taken  toward  the  McXamara  brutality,  now 
several  months  past,  has  helped  vou  with  the  public,  which  in  the  long  run 
everywhere  insists  on  fair  treatment.  The  spirit  of  the  local  and  central 
bodies  can  he  promoted  bv  scanning  carefully  rising  leaders  and  bv  retiring 
inefficient  and  unworthy  old  leaders  wherever  found,  bv  allaying  interunion 
rivalries  which  usually  arise  because  leaders  in  the  locals  have  not  the  vision 
and  the  generosity  they  need  for  the  best  work,  by  extreme  conservatism  in 
the  use  of  the   weapons  of  the   industrial    struggle — the   >trike.   the   label,   etc. 

"In  support  of  my  position,  let  me  call  your  attention  to  a  single  instance 
in  the  recent  life  of  the  International  Workers  of  the  World,  the  rival  organi- 
zation to  the  American  Federation  of  Labor.  A  call  was  issued  by  Local  l'."> 
of  the  International  Workers  of  the  World  to  the  broad-silk  weavers  at 
Paterson,  X.  I.,  to  "march  out  of  the  shops  like  men  who  comprehend  their 
might.  Workers,  vou  are  the  only  necessary  class  in  society."  I  o  the  call 
a  warning  was  attached:  'Give  no  one  the  slightest  pretext  to  call  you  dis- 
orderly: practice  no  physical  force  whatever  upon  your  opponents.'  Here 
was  a  strike  without  violence  or  picketing,  and  with  no  demand  for  the  closed 
shop  or  the  recognition  of  the  union,  and  the  strike  succeeded  in  a  brief  time. 

"Three  months'  patient  work  in  organization  preceded  the  strike.  Here 
is  food  for  thought,  for  the  federation's  leaders,  and  for  the  public,  on  account 
of  the  successful  appeal  to  class  spirit.  This  last  feature  is  even  more  dis- 
tressing than  a  strike  would  have  been,  though  accompanied  with  some  violence. 

"The  attention  of  organized  labor  needs  to  be  called  to  the  panaceas  that 
are  being  offered  on  the  one  band,  and  to  the  substantial  efforts  being  made 
on  the  other  for  the  advancement  ot  the  industrial  part  of  the  community. 
.\'ot  onlv  are  initiative  and  referendum  terms  to  ju^sfle  with  just  now.  but  also 


Central  Labor  Uxiox  History  133 


that  term,  the  recall,  applied  to  the  judiciary  as  well  as  to  the  executive  func- 
tion of  government.  A  fundamental  distinction  is  to  he  made  on  this  subject 
between  the  executive  and  the  judicial  phases  of  our  constitutional  life,  a 
distinction  which  the  President  of  the  United  States  has  called  our  attention 
to.  very  justly,  in  recent  months. 

"'.Moreover,  substantial  progress  is  being  made  in  the  government's  attitude 
toward  wage-earners.  I  refer  particularly  to  the  act  establishing  the  children's 
bureau,  the  federal  compensation  bill  and  the  bill  establishing  a  federal  com- 
mission on  industrial  relations.  President  Taft  is  entitled  to  gratitude  and 
honor  for  the  friendly  attitude  taken  upon  all  these  questions,  and  the  cheap 
talk  that  has  been  heard  in  the  United  States  Senate  is  in  radical  distinction 
to  the  sane  .attitude  of  the  President.  One  distinguished  senator  has  the 
effrontery  to  suggest  that  wage-earners  will  forego  their  right  to  sue  for 
damages  tmder  the  common  law  of  the  states,  as  he  says  they  would  do  if 
the  measure  becomes  a  federal  law.  To  sue  and  to  be  sued,  a  great  privilege 
indeed!  Dr.  Edward  T.  Devine  is  my  authority  for  the  following  statement 
as  tn  injuries  in  industrial  occupations  of  which  instances  he  had  knowledge: 
'Within  three  months  c;f  1  iK  17'.  eleven  men  settled  with  their  employers  for 
the  loss  of  an  eve.  (  hie  of  them  received  $200,  two  each  $150,  one  $1011,  one 
$?5,  two  $50,  one  $4\  and  three  nothing  at  all.  ['"or  the  loss  of  an  arm  one 
man  received  $30(1,  and  two  received  nothing.  Two  employes  received  $100 
each  for  the  loss  of  two  lingers,  and  five  others  for  an  identical  injurv  received 
nothing.  Por  the  loss  of  a  leg  the  sums  paid  in  >ix  instances  were  $225,  $175, 
$150,  $l(t(l,  $r>5  and  nothing.'  'To  sue  and  be  sued."  Yea!  verily.  Pet  us 
have  assured  and  stated  compensation  as  a  matter  of  justice  and  as  a  means 
of  -axing  life. 

"These  are  some  of  the  suggestions  that  demand  from  you  as  citizens  as 
well  as  wage-earners,  most  earnest  thought  and  high-minded  endeavor  in 
behalf  of  the  common   interest." 

While  on  the  subject  of  important  speeches  delivered  on  behalf  of  labor. 
some  remark-  bv  Rev.  (ieorge  Venn  Daniels,  pastor  of  Carew  Street  Baptist 
Church,  following  a  banquet  in  which  Messrs.  Gompers  and  Mitchell  ot  the 
American  Pederation  of  Labor  were  described  as  "Vampires."  and  which  was 
held  in  this  city,  are  apt  and  worthy  of  reproduction.     The  substance  follows: 

"The  president  of  the  Employers'  Association."  he  said,  "made  a  mistake 
when  he  called  .Mitchell  and  ( iompers  of  the  American  Pederation  ol  Labor 
'Vampires  of  Societv.'  I  must  confess  that  when  I  read  that  speech  my  heart 
became  hot  within  me.  The  word  vampire  is  of  such  a  character  that  it  ought 
to  be  used  with  extreme  care.  When  you  call  leaders  of  the  people  vampires 
ample  justification  ought  to  be  had.  It  was  a  piece  of  base  ingratitude  to 
thus  class  those  men  of  labor.  In  plain  Anglo  Saxon,  a  vampire  is  a  blond 
sucker.  This  is  not  a  nice  word,  but  it  is  a  true  one.  There  are  plenty  of 
blood  -iicker-  in  the  bodv  politic;  under  inordinate  greed  and  mate  selfishness 
we  can  class  most  of  society's  vampires. 

"I  low  about  this  unfair  distribution  of  the  product  of  labor?  When  you 
find  that  life  necessities  have  emptied  your  purse  before  the  week  is  done. 
don't  for  one  minute  think  that  this  land  i-  poverty  stricken.  It  is  because 
of  an  unfair  distribution  to  the  average  wage-earner.  In  the  United  State- 
each  vear  are  produced  commodities  amounting  roughly  to  enough  to  give 
each  wage-earner  $2,500  per  annum. 


l-')4  Central  Labor  Union   History 

"Hoes  any  wage-earner  get  this?  What  he  gets  averages  about  $500  per 
year.  The  difference  between  the  $2,500  and  the  $50<)  spells  out  the  way  the 
product  of  labor  is  distributed.     Capital  says  to  labor:  'There  are  six  davs  you 

must  work.  I  will  take  the  product  of  five  davs  and  you  mav  have  the  product 
of  one  day  with  which  to  support  your  family  and  give  them  the  necessities 
of  life.'  I  tell  you  there  is  something  wrong  with  the  industrial  system  in  this 
country.  It  is  more  than  wrong  when  it  permits  men  to  starve  who  are  willing 
to  work.  Take  a  look  at  the  case  of  that  carpenter,  who,  after  walking  the 
streets  of  Xew  York  for  days  looking  for  something  to  do.  hurled  a  pair  of 
Indian  clubs  through  the  broad  windows  of  the  Waldorf-Astoria,  where  he- 
could  see  people  amidst  glitter  and  plenty.  The  carpenter  said  to  the  judge 
in  court,  who  asked  him  why  he  did  the  act.  T  was  so  hungry  that  I  think 
that  my  mind  must  have  left  me." 

"I  tell  you  people  there  is  something  wrong  when  a  skilled  mechanic  like 
that  comes  to  such  a  pass.  Took  at  the  case  of  Charles  A.  Potts,  in  this  city, 
who  fell  in  a  faint  from  hunger  in  the  Raymond  Hotel,  and  think  a  little 
about  a  poor  woman  in  Brooklyn  who  took  her  baby  in  her  arms  and  went 
out  in  search  of  food.  When  she  was  picked  up  by  the  police,  she  said  as 
she  handed  her  baby  over  to  the  sergeant,  'It's  smaller  than  when  it  was  born.' 
Yes.  it  was  smaller,  and  it  was  dead.  While  all  this  is  going  on,  a  fool  son 
of  a  millionaire  is  giving  a  dinner  at  Rector's  to  twenty  actresses  at  $1,000 
a  plate.  I  tell  you  again  there  is  something  radically  wrong  when  men  starve 
looking  for  work  while  others  waste  unearned  substance.  Who.  then,  are 
the  vampires  of  society?  Did  you  ever  hear  of  a  member  of  the  Employers' 
Association  starving  to  death?  Did  you  ever  hear  of  a  trust  magnate  going 
broke,  with  the  exception  of  Morse,  who  was  caught? 

"Between  the  people  and  the  money  power  at  the  present  time  only  stands 
labor,  and  in  some  cases  the  church  of  Jesus  Christ.  The  workers  are  in 
the  position  of  Oliver  Twist  and  they  are  now  impelled  by  necessity  to  say. 
T  want  more.' 

"The  other  dav  I  saw  eleven  advertisements  of  people  with  money  to  lend. 
Thev  are  monev  sharks,  and  every  newspaper  should  refuse  the  use  of  their 
columns  to  these  blood  suckers.  They  get  hold  of  the  young  man  who  is 
broke:  they  pull  him  into  the  meshes  of  debt  so  tight  that  they  own  him  body 
and  soul,  and  thev  bleed  him  until  he  has  not  a  drop  of  blood  or  self-respect 
left.  You  borrow  $10  from  them  and  before  you  know  it  they  have  got  you 
into  their  clutches  for  $100.  Then  people  wonder  why  young  men  lose  their 
positions  and  embezzle. 

"A  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union  member  approaches  me  and 
puts  the  curse  on  the  rum  traffic,  but  I  have  to  smile  when  I  learn  that  she 
is  using  a  patent  medicine  which  T  know  contains  forty-four  per  cent  of  alcohol. 
These  patent  medicines  are  simply  schemes  with  which  to  rob  the  public,  and 
the  editors  of  religious  papers  who  use  their  advertisements  know  that  they 
are    fakes." 


The  Central  Labor  Union  Banquet 


On  Wednesday  evening,   May  >,  1012.  a  large  company  of  labor  men  and 

their  friends  gathered  in  the  Highland  lb  tel,  to  celebrate  the  twenty-fifth  anni- 
versary of  the  founding  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  of  Springfield,  then  known 
as  the  Springfield  Confederation  of  Labor.  Many  of  the  men  were  accom- 
panied bv  their  wives.  Every  affiliated  labor  body  in  the  city  and  many  out- 
of-town  organizations  were  represented.  The  toastmaster.  James  S.  Sher- 
burne, welcomed  the  guests  on  behalf  of  the  union,  and  Lew  Dr.  F.  \V. 
Merrick  asked  the  blessing.  The  company  then  proceeded  to  enjoy  one  oi 
Landlord  Sievers'  best  productions  in  the  culinary  line,  while  -killed  musicians, 
under   the   leadership   of   Charles    S.   <  )'Regan,   discoursed   appropriate   music. 

After  the  tables  had  been  cleared,  cigars  presented  to  the  men  and  con- 
fectionery to  the  ladies,  the  toastmaster,  James  S.  Sherburne,  in  calling  the 
gathering   to   order,    said: 

"Springfield  Confederation  of  Labor  was  organized  May  S.  l-^b  by  repre- 
sentatives of  the  Cigar  Makers',  Tailors'.  Carpenters'  and  Typographical 
Unions,  and  a  charter  was  obtained.  February  25.  1  >1»7 .  from  the  American 
Federation  of  Labor,  since  which  time  the  organization  has  been  known  as 
the  Springfield  Central  Labor  Union.  In  the  early  days  the  work  consisted 
largelv  in  the  organization  of  unions  among  the  crafts  and  strengthening  the 
weaker  bodies.  Manv  controversies  relating  to  wages  and  general  conditions 
were  brought  to  an  amicable  settlement.  Apathy  among  some  crafts  and  the 
adverse  attitude  of  the  general  public  had  to  be  contended  with,  but  the  Central 
bod  v.  by  conservative  action  and  fair  dealing,  has  been  able  to  turn  the  tide 
of  public  opinion  and  it  now  is  recognized  as  a  valuable  factor  in  all  move- 
ments within  its  sphere  having  for  their  object  the  welfare  and  improvement 
of  the  community. 

"Particularly  fortunate  was  the  Confederation  of  Labor  in  the  choice  of 
the  first  president.  Bishop  X.  Salt  us  of  the  Cigar  Makers'  Union,  to  whom 
more  than  to  any  one  else  belongs  the  credit  for  the  organization.  Mr.  Saltus 
died  in  1801.  to  the  last  true  to  his  convictions.  Another  man  who  became 
prominent  in  the  work  in  the  early  days  was  Jeremiah  F.  Mahonev.  also  a 
member  of  the  Cigar  Maker.-'  Union,  who  continued  his  active  interest  until 
a  tew  years  ago.  Me  died  suddenly  while  he  was  attending  a  convention  of 
the  State  Branch  of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor.  Mr.  Mahonev  was 
•  me  of  the  ablest  worker-  in  the  labor  cause  the  state  of  Massachusetts  has 
produced.  We  miss  these  men  tonight,  hut  find  comfort  in  the  knowledge 
that   their  work   was   well   done. 

"The  Springfield  Central  Labor  Union  is  composed  of  delegate-  chosen  bv 
the  various  organized  crafts  of  the  city,  having  no  direct  control  over  the 
bodies  represented,  but  acting  in  an  advisorv  capacitv  when  requested.  It 
considers  also  the  larger  questions  of  importance  to  labor  in  general,  such 
as  sanitary  conditions,  educational  matter-  in  so  far  as  thev  affect  the  children 
of  the  workingman,  and  at  times  when  it  can  act  in  the  capacitv  of  helper 
it  takes  an  active  interest  in  the  general  welfare  of  the  school-.  [Tom  the 
outset  it  has  made  its  influence  felt  in  legislative  matter-  concerning  the  lot 
of  the  workingman  and   those  dependent   on   him.      It-   meeting-   are   not    con- 


i:)ti  Central  Labor  Union   History 


ducted  secretly,  for  in  them  nothing  is  said  or  done  which  would  make  such 
a    course   necessary. 

"It  is  not  a  selfish  body.  It  tries  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  worker, 
whether  he  be  a  member  of  a  labor  organization  or  an  individual.  The 
non-union  workman  receives  higher  pay  and  labors  under  better  conditions 
than  he  could  obtain  were  no  labor  union-  in  existence.  Springfield  Central 
Labor  Union  now  is  one  of  the  strongest  organizations  of  the  kind  in  the 
country. 

"Among  the  enterprises  which  the  union  has  now  in  hand  is  the  erection 
of  a  Labor  temple  which  will  be  a  credit  to  organized  labor  and  an  ornament 
to   the  city   of   Springfield. 

"A  history  of  the  Central  and  affiliated  unions  will  be  published  in  a  few 
days.  This  book  will  also  contain  biographical  sketches  and  portraits  of 
nun  who  have  been  prominent  in  the  labor  movement  locally,  and  an  account 
of   the   banquet. 

"In  behalf  of  Springfield  Central  Labor  Union,  I  extend  thanks  to  the 
press  and  other  friends  for  the  kindly  interest  manifested  in  the  celebration 
of   its   twenty-fifth   anniversary.'' 

The  following  telegram  to  Secretary  McCarthy .  was  read: 

Quincy,  Mass.  May  S.  1912. 

D.   !•:.  McCarthy, 

19  Sanford  Street.  Springfield.  Mass. 
Meetings  of  the  executive  council  of  my  trade  association  tonight 
and  Thursday  night,  in  connection  with  duty  assigned  us  by  our 
convention  which  recentlv  adjourned,  prevents  me  from  either  being 
at  vour  meeting  tonight  or  being  in  Washington  in  attendance  at 
executive  council  American  Federation  of  Labor  meeting  the  balance 
of  this  week.  I  therefore  greatly  regret  my  inability  to  be  with  you 
tonight,  but  trust  and  expect  that  your  meeting  will  be  successful  in 
detail  as  well  as  in  general  results.  At  some  other  time  when  it  will 
be  more  convenient  to  your  Central  body  and  myself  I  may  have  the 
honor  of  being  with  you  to  compare  notes  on  the  great  humanitarian 
movement  in  which  we  are  all  interested  and  to  the  success  of  which 
we  are  giving  the  best  years  of  our  lives  and  the  greatest  activity  of 
which  we  are  capable.  Wishing  your  Central  body  continued  increase 
in  membership  and  influence  in  your  city  and  vicinity,  I  have  the 
honor  to  remain. 

Yours  respectfully, 

James   Duncan, 
First   Vice- President  American   Federation  of  Labor. 

Rev.  Dr.  F.  W.  Merrick,  fraternal  delegate  to  the  Central  Labor  Union 
from  the  Springfield  Ministers'  Association,  spoke  on  the  value  of  the  social 
feature  of  the  order  and  the  benefits  to  be  derived  from  friendly  association. 
lie  mentioned  the  attempts  that  have  been  made  to  have  the  society  recede 
from  its  high  standing  and  of  the  failure-  to  do  so.  lie  mentioned  the  eleva- 
tion if  the  organized  worker-  themselves  as  a  school  of  democracy  and 
humanitv.  lie  gave  credit  to  organized  labor  a-  being  the  true  father  of 
the    referendum    which,    he    said,    it    pursued    in    all    its    action-.       lie    called 


ANNIVERSARY   COMMITTEE    OF   CENTRAL     LABOR     UNION'S     CELEBRATION 


-  7  -Sir// 


\Yi!!::i:n     Klvim 

I  >.    I-:.    Mil  'aniiv,    S 
M.    T.    Xiliill 


A.     I-:.     Wi'sMH  \V.     I!.    Cnnlv 

M.   x  ■         i  i;.   11.  Wi.-mi 

A.     A.     N;ium;<iili  .1.    S.    S:  i-i-Jm    n<  .    <  'In: 


13S 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


organized  labor  a  conservative  force  in  society.  In  closing,  he  spoke  of  the 
policy  of  the  organization  in  aiming  to  promote  mutual  interests.  He  wished 
the  union  continued  success  in  its  undertakings  and  said  that  if  the  past 
accomplishments  were  any  indication  of  future  deeds,  the  society  would 
progress   automatically   and   succeed. 

The  principal  speaker  was  John  Golden,  president  of  the  United  Textile 
Workers  of  America.     He  said  in  part: 

"We  have  had  within  the  last  three  months  an  industrial  upheaval  in  Xew 
England  which  has  caused  many  a  heartache  and  much  suffering.  The  matter 
began  in  Lawrence  with  the  first  small  spark  of  dissatisfaction  expressed  by 
the  working  people  of  that   city.     Those  people   it   was   who   have  had  their 


d.   e.   McCarthy 

Recording     Secretary     of     Central      Labor 

Union,   Who  Held  the   Financial    Reins 

of    the    Anniversary 


weekly  salaries  reduced  bv  from  twenty  cents  to  twenty-five  cent.-  a  week. 
Indeed,  it  may  have  been,  as  some  say,  an  industrial  revolution.  It  was  not, 
however,  that  small  reduction  in  weekly  wage  that  really  caused  this  upheaval; 
it  was  the  growing  of  discontent  and  exploitation  of  those  thousands  of  for- 
eigners who  had  been  brought  to  this  country  by  these  capitalists  for  no  other 
purpose  than  to  replace  English-speaking  operatives  who  demanded  a  higher 
wage.  As  has  been  shown,  there  were  good  results  from  this  upheaval  on 
the  part  of  those  who  had  been  unjustly  treated.  I  say  not  in  disrespect  to 
non-English  -peaking  men  and  women,  but  in  protest  against  the  government 
which    has   not    seen   the   danger   of   this    whole-ale    influx    of   thousands    upon 


Central  Labor  Union  History  139 


thousands  of  those  unacquainted  with  the  tongue  and  institutions  of  this 
country  who  have  been  brought  here  under  false  promises  and  misrepre- 
sentations, and  there  has  been  no  effort  to  Americanize  these  men.  It  can 
be  truthfully  said,  without  any  possibility  of  contradiction,  that  the  American 
Federation  of  Labor  was  the  only  one  to  take  any  action  in  attempting  to 
Americanize  them.  (Applause.)  We  do  not  want  to  bar  people  from  coming 
to  this  country.  We  do.  however,  realize  that  it  is  an  injustice  and  a  far 
greater  one  to  us.  to  country,  or  the  industries,  to  that  poor  soul  brought 
here  with  the  expectations  of  finding  a  new  life,  but  in  reality  coming  into 
an  even  more  wretched  condition   than   experienced   in  his  own   country. 

"There  must  be  some  reasonable  restriction  to  this  rapid  flow  of  foreigners 
to  our  land  in  order  to  protect  the  workingmen  and  prevent  the  foreigner  from 
industrial  exploitation.  Syndicalism  has  already  shown  its  face  here,  but  I 
have  no  fear  of  its  gaining  a  foothold  in  the  United  States.  The  reason  is 
that  I  have  watched  its  progress  in  England  with  great  interest.  It  was  bred 
and  conceived  not  principally  through  industrial  protests  but  because  of  the 
fact  that  the  monarchy  in  those  countries  subjects  the  workingmen  to  deeper 
exploitation  than  is  done  in  this  country  by  the  capitalists.  In  France,  where 
there  is  a  supposed  republic,  the  working  elements  are  crushed  to  the  ground 
by  the  capitalists,  urged  on  and  helped  by  the  political  influences.  There  is 
no  fear  of  such  conditions  gaining  ground  in  this  country,  for  there  is  too 
much  patriotism  here,  too  much  love  for  the  flag,  respect  for  American  insti- 
tutions, too  much  liberty  and  the  right  to  exercise  it.  to  allow  syndicalism  or 
anarchy  to  gain  a  foothold  here. 

"We  have  never  claimed  infallibility  or  being  above  making  mistakes, 
for  we  are  human.  We  are  often  blamed  for  non-accomplishment;  men  grow 
impatient,  asking  why  we  do  not  do  more  than  we  do.  But  we  are  ofttimes 
called  upon  to  do  colossal  deeds,  sometimes  without  any  chance  of  their  com- 
mission. If  only  lor  what  organized  lahor  has  done  for  the  women  wage 
workers  in  lightening  their  labors,  if  only  what  it  has  done  for  the  thousands 
upon  thousands  of  children  whom  it  has  called  from  the  workshops  and  mills 
and  placed  in  the  schools,  their  proper  place,  organized  labor  would  be  justified 
in  its  existence.  All  are  human  and  likely  to  fall,  but  there  is  no  more  justice 
in  condemning  the  labor  union  for  the  misdeeds  of  a  few  of  its  members  than 
for  the  condemnation  of  religious  bodies  because  of  the  fall  of  a  few  of  its 
ministers,  ft  is  true  that  the  labor  union  has  made  a  few  mistakes,  hut  from 
those  mistakes  have  been  learned  great  lessons  and  the  labor  union  has  grown 
to  he  bigger  and  better  in  consequence.  They  have  all  been  innocent  mistakes, 
made  more  from  error  of  head  than  heart,  and  many  also  were  made  because 
of  circumstances  surrounding  them.  Our  success  has  been  built  on  these 
mistakes.  The  labor  union  has  not  been  able  to  call  educated  men  to  lead 
its  movements;  it  could  not  command  the  services  oi  men  and  women  so 
vastlv  superior  by  reason  of  university  education.  Its  leader-  have  been  taken 
from  the  rank  and  file  oi  the  wage  worker,  many  being  graduated  from  the 
mill,  mine  and  workshop.  There  i-  no  tear  lor  the  future  oi  the  labor  move- 
ment; although  it  has  been  assailed  on  every  hand  bv  conflicting  interests,  it 
has  grown  and  grown  and  has  still  grown.  It  has  reduced  the  hour-  of  labor. 
increased  the  wage  earnings  of  the  workingman  and  protected  the  women  and 
children.  It  i-  our  policy  and  one  which  will  continue.  If  our  law-  are  wrong 
it    is   the  dutv   <<\    organized   workmen   not   to   violate   them,   but    to   make   every 


1-M »  Central  Labor  Union  History 


effort  to  have  them  repealed,  even  if  it  be  in  laying  down  their  life  blood.  An 
instance  of  this  is  brought  home  forcibly  to  the  members  of  the  Springfield 
Labor  union,  who  had  in  Jeremiah  F.  Mahoney  a  man  whose  life  was  shortened 
considerably  by  his  unceasing  work  for  organized  labor..  It  is  not  necessary 
to  charge  up  San  Juan  hill  to  become  a  hero.  There  are  many  other  ways  of 
doing  nobler  deeds  than  done  by  those  posing  as  tin  heroes.-' 

The  speaker  then  spoke  of  the  work  done  by  the  opponents  of  the  labor 
movement,  and  spoke  of  the  time  when  these  men  would  be  lying  "in  their 
dishonored  graves,  while  labor  would  go  on  with  its  work  of  alleviating  the 
toils  of  the  worker,  the  suffering  women  and  children."  and  of  the  fruits  which 
would  be  received  by  "our  descendants  which  they  are  entitled  to."  In  con- 
clusion. Mr.  Golden  thanked  the  women  for  their  part  in  the  celebration  and 
said  that,  although  in  political  questions  many  of  those  present  might  differ 
in  their  views,  in  labor  matters  they  were  firm  together.  He  also  remarked 
that  in  all  his  travels  from  Maine  to  California  he  had  not  seen  any  branch 
of  united  labor  the  peer  of  Springfield  Central  Labor  Union.  Tremendous 
applause  greeted  the  closing  remarks,  especially  when  the  speaker  stated  that 
it  was  the  first  opportunity  that  he  had  to  thank  Springfield  union  for  the 
help  afforded  him  and  other  members  of  the  Textile  Workers  during  the 
fierce  fight  in  Ludlow  the  past  few  years.  And  then  he  wished  the  Springfield 
Central  Labor  Union  as  much  success  in  the  next  twenty-five  years  as  in 
the  past.  The  reception  accorded  the  remarks  of  Mr.  Golden  was  extended 
and   sincere,   all  joining  in  the  demonstration. 

Mayor  Edward  H.  Lathrop.  who  had  been  placed  well  down  on  the  list 
of  speakers  at  his  own  request,  was  received  with  much  applause.  He  said 
that  he  was  present  solely  for  an  educational  purpose  and  that  he  enjoyed 
greatly  meeting  Mr.  Golden,  of  whom  he  had  read  so  much  and  whose  interest- 
ing address  he  had  so  much  enjoyed.  "Ministers,"  said  the  mayor,  "are 
common  enough  anywhere  and  can  be  heard  any  time,  but  it  is  a  treat  to 
hear  such  men  as  Mr.  Golden."  He  humorously  resented  the  comparison 
by  Dr.  F.  \Y.  Merrick  of  the  Democratic  party  to  the  blank  sheet  of  paper 
and  wondered  whether  his  declaration  or  apology  was  most  to  be  commended. 
He  said  that  democracy  was  the  broadest  word  in  the  English  language,  and 
decribed  the  meaning  of  democracy  of  the  people.  He  felt  that  Mr.  Golden 
was  too  pessimistic  in  his  remarks  in  that  the  dawn  of  the  labor  unions  was 
iust  coming.  In  regard  to  Mr.  Golden's  remark  that  the  educated  men  were 
leaders.  Mayor  Lathrop  said  that  labor  does  not  want  them,  and  that  the 
best  leaders  come  from  the  ranks  of  experience  by  reason  of  association  with 
the  ranks.  "Men  of  knowledge  and  intelligence  are  beginning  to  recognize 
the  accomplishments  and  movements  of  organized  labor."  In  regard  to  the 
leadership  of  college  men  and  their  extensive  knowledge,  the  mayor  humor- 
ously remarked  that  some  college  graduates  did  not  know  as  much  on  leaving 
as  they  did  when  they  entered  college.  In  closing  he  paid  a  tribute  to  organ- 
ized labor  and  the  part  the  local  society  played  in  advancing  the  cause.  He 
wished  "continued  success  during  ensuing  years." 

E.  S.  Alden.  vice-president  of  the  State  Branch.  American  Federation  of 
Labor,  delivered  the  concluding  address.  Mr.  Alden  strongly  advocated  the 
building  of  a  labor  temple  in  Springfield,  which  he  said  would  serve  as  a 
monument  to  the  triumphs  of  labor  in  the  past  and  a  promise  of  the  still 
greater  ones  that  it  will  achieve  in  the   future.     He  concluded  bv  urging  all 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


141 


laboring-  men  to  get  together  oftener  and  to  stand  together  more  firmly  for 
the  principles  in  which  the  laboring  organizations  find  their  justification  for 
existence. 

Among-  the  guests  were  the  following: 


Edward  H.  Lathrop 

[ohn  Golden,  Boston 

Rev.  Dr.  F.  \Y.  Merrick 

Edward  S.  Alden,  Holyoke 

Paul  Davis 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  D.  E.  McCarthy 

Mr.  and  Mrs.   T.  S.  Sherburne 

William  H.  Grady 

H.  C.  Xiebuhr 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  ( ieorge  IT.  Wrenn 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  B.  Porter 

Richard  A.  Hennessey 

Miss  I  lennessey 

M.   I.  Keleher.  Pittsfield 

Mr." and  Mrs.  A.  E.  Wilson 

Agnes  Tyrkas  Merrick 

Blanche  Duford 

Louise  Vassa 

Katherine  A.  McKenzie 

P.  F.  Cronin 

(ieorge  Spengler 

John  X.  Pern  in 

Leander  St.  Cyr 

E.  L.  Murphy 

H.  E.  Bryant 

Roy  ( iodfrey 

Hernias  Carrigan 

lohn  P.  O'Connell 

T.  W.  Williams 

J.  C.  Callahan 

A.  W.  Youngberg 

1'.  M.  Fraser 

L.  E.  Divilv 

E.  H.  Newell 

L.  A.  Mocruoin 

A.  Pooley 

Parker  Worth 

C.  J.  McMorrow 

M.  J.  I  [ennessey 

J.  E.  Conlin 

P.  J.  O'Brien 

Thomas  Mc(  'arrol 

Thomas  I'".  Russell 

Ernest   Bennett 

1'.  W.  Barber 


David  Colby 
( 'harles  T.  Conwav 
[.  Paul  Bigelow  ' 
Mrs.  J.  Paul  Bigelow 
William  T.  Ware 
Joseph  V.  McCormick 
I ).  J.  Brunton 
George  L.  Stebbins 
(  ieorge  L.  Hayes 
James  C.  Generous.  Westfield 
I-:.  T.  Higgins 
W.  A.  Clark- 
Charles  E.  Schneider 
H.  B.  Schoch 
J.  L.  Dickinson 
Frank  G.  Burgess 
Edward  T.  McCarthy 
W.  T.  Casev 

D.  A.  Haggerty 
IT.  W.  Margeson 
[ohn  W.  ( ilvnn 

E.  IT.  Cullen 
Selig  Katz 
Peter  Bushey 
X'apoleon  Dion 
(  ieorge  A.  Roy 
W.  J.  LaFrancis 
A.  Duquette 
Mr.  Curran 

J  ere  Dwyer 
Edmond  Raleigh 
T.  D.  Devine 
( ieorge  A.  Payne 
Frederick  W.  <  )tto 
Patrick  II.  Egan 
James  F.  Sweeney 
1'atrick  Houlihan 
Patrick  Crowley 
1  )aniel  Brennan 
I  )aniel  Lynch 
John  J.  Casey 
William  C.  Williston 
M.   I.  Rowland 
1'.  H.  Triggs 
I".  V..  Lonergan 


142 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


Alice  Smith 
John  I  fur ley 
Jeffrey  J.  Dool ev- 
il E.Dooley 
Arthur  Stroebele 
C.  C.  Xally 
William  E.  Flynn 
William  Bailey,  East 
( ieorge  McQuade 
Thomas  J.  Moriarty 
August  Fett 
Frank  J.  Lynch 
( ieorge  W.  Clark 
George  F.  Losee 
Davide  Consolati 
John  Rossi 
E.  H.  Pearson 
(ieorge  E.  Dwyer 
Homer  Rheaume 
Fred  X.  Shaw- 
Robert  ( iriswold 
Fred  L.  Stubbs 
Adolph  Getman 
Tohn  Beauchemin 


.onemeaclow 


I".  A.  Woodard 

Charles  1 1.  Thornton 
William  A.  Baker 
Thomas  Maguire 
Thomas  1 1.  Brady 
II.  K.  Wood 
S.  M.  Berard 
W.  L.  Collins 
John  W.  Russell 
John  F.  ( ireen 
(  harles  Rawbone 
W.  C.  McCarthy 
Alva  E.  Fenton 
John  J.  Courtney 
Paul  H.  Sheehan 
James  Londigon 
Stephen  Verespy 
William  Lindsay 
Stephen  Smith 
Armand  H.  Tibault 
Robert  McCleary 
John  J.  Clean- 
Frank  B.  1  low 


Directory  of  Springfield  Locals 


'flic  following  is  a  directory  of  the  local  unions  that  meet  in  Central  Labor 
Union  Hall,  at  the  corner  of  [Market  and  Sanford  streets,  together  with  the 
number  of  their  hall,  the  name  and  address  of  their  present  secretary,  and  his 
address  in  this  year  of  grace : 

Bill  Posters — Secretary.  Paul  Davis.  44  Mill  street.     Meet 


Brewer)-    Workers — Secretary.    William    F.    Ward.    7G    Shattuck    street.     Meet 

third  Sunday  of  the  month,  in  hall  Xo.  1. 
Bartenders,    Xo.    GT — Secretary,    T.    F.    Devine,    48    Rutledge    avenue.     Meet 

second  Sunday,  in  hall   Xo.  1. 
Bartenders,  Xo.  11G — Secretary.  T.  J.  Kaveney,  113  Center   street.   Chicopee, 

East.     Meet  in  Chicopee. 
Barbers — Secretary.    H.    C.    Xiebuhr.    35    Pearl    street.     Meet    first    and    third 

Thursday,  in  hall    Xo.  5. 
Bakers — Secretary,    Robert    Philip,    54   Allendale    street.     Meet   first    Saturday 

and  third  Sunday,  in  hall  Xo.  2. 
Building  Laborers.  Xo.  3 — Secretary.  Dennis  Foley.  355  Chestnut  street.     Meet 

first  and  third  Tuesday,  in  hall   Xo.  2. 
Building  Laborers.  Xo.  3G — Secretary.  Tony    Bersi,  '.*   Dale  street.     Meet   first 

and   third   Wednesday,   in   hall   X*o.   1. 
Bottlers  and  Drivers — Secretary,  W.  E.  Driscoll.  P.  O.  box  182.      Meet  second 

and  fourth  Wednesday,  in  hall   Xo.  2. 
Bricklayers — Secretary.     R.     A.     Hennessey.     G5     Alden     street.       Meet     every 

Tuesday. 
Cigar  Makers — Secretary.  William   J.   Murphy.  38    I  Tomer  street.      Meet  every 

Monday,   in  hall   Xo.  5. 
Carpenters.    Xo.   9G — Secretary,   V.   T.   Gagnon,   Main   street,   Agawam.     Meet 

every    Thursday,  in   hall   Xo.  1. 
Carpenters,    Xo.    177 — Secretary,    E.    YV.    Harbour.    14   Mattoon    street.     Meet 

every    Friday,   in   hall   Xo.   1. 
Carpenters,    Xo.    1105 — Secretary.    A.    L.    Haughton,    238    Fine    street.     Meet 

first   and  third   Wednesday,   in   hall    Xo.   2. 
Coal    Handlers — Secretary,    Patrick    Houlihan,    ."ill    Cass    street.      Meet    second 

and    fourth    Wednesday,   in   hall    Xo.    1. 
Cooks  and  Waiters — Secretary.  J.   L.   Betters,  Court   Square   Hotel.      Meet   first 

and  third  Wednesday,  in  hall  Xo.  2. 
Engineers — Secretary,    S.    |.    Cormier,    Fast    Fongmeadow.      Meet    second   and 

fourth  Thursday,  in   hall    Xo.  2. 
Electrical  Workers — Secretary.  Joseph  Fawless,  52  Vinton  street.     Meet  second 

and   fourth   Monday,   in  ball    Xo.   2. 
Grain    Handlers — Secretary.  Jeremiah    McCarthy,    11    Bond    street.      Meet    first 

Wednesday,  in   hall    Xo.    I. 
Horseshoers — Secretary,    lames    F.    Kerr.    35    Olive    street.      Meet    second    and 

fourth   Wednesday,  in  hall  Xo.  2. 
Fathers — Secretary,   Joseph    [lope.   22    Margaret    street.      Meet    every    Monday. 

in  hall   Xo.  f>. 
Musicians — Secretary,  Herbert    V  Shtumvav,  3»  Palmer  avenue.      Meet  second 

Sunday,   in    hall    Xo.   5. 


144  Central  Labor  Union  History 


Mulders — Secretary.     Hernias     Carnigan.     box    323.     Indian     Orchard.      Meet 

first   and  third    Friday,   in   hall    \<>.   2. 
Metal    Polishers — Secretary.    William    St.    Cyr,   SI    Orleans    street.     Meet   first 

and  second   Friday,  in  hall   No.  2. 
Moving    Picture   Operators — Secretary.   George    F.    Hill,   box   S35.     Meet   first 

Sunday,  in  hall   No.  2. 
Machinists — Secretary.  P.  J.  Phelan.  44  Johnson  street.     Meet  outside  Central 

Labor  Union  I  [all. 
Painters — Secretary.   J.   Paul    Bigelow,   52   Harvey    street.     Meet   every    Wed- 
nesday,  in  hall   Xo.  5. 
Printing    Pressmen — Secretary.   Arthur    F.    Benoit,    East    Longmeadow.     Meet 

third  Thursday,  in  hall  Xo.  2. 
Plumbers — Secretary,    John    Beauchemin.    care    of    Dr.    Roy.    Fuller    building. 

Meet   every  Monday,   in  hall    Xo.   1. 
Photo-Engravers — Secretary.  Howard  J.  Mendon,    191    Bowdoin  street.     Meet 

second  Tuesday,  in   hall   Xo.  2. 
Prompters — Secretary.   E.   F.  Connclley.  Adams  street.     Meet   outside  Central 

Labor  Union    Hall. 
Quarryinen — Secretary.   G.   Nelson,   East   Longmeadow.     Meet   at   East  Long- 
meadow-. 
Stone  Cutters — Secretary.  George  Clark.  34  East  street.  Holyoke.     Meet  first 

and  third  Thursday,  in  hall  Xo.  4. 
Sheet  Metal  Workers — Secretary.  John   S.   Donohue,  177   High   street.     Meet 

second  and  fourth  Thursday. 
Street    Railway    Employes — Secretary.    A.     E.    Wilson.    911    Sumner    avenue. 

Meet  second  and  fourth  Tuesday,  in  hall  Xo.  5. 
Stage  Employes — Secretary,  D.  A.  Hagertv.  box  542.     Meet  third  Sunday,  in 

1  hall  Xo.  2. 
Slaters — Secretary.    R.    McCleary,    G3    Lowell    street.     Meet    outside    Central 

Labor   Union  Hall. 
Steam  Fitters — Secretary.  W.  J.  Lyons.  Mittineague.     Meet  second  and  fourth 

Tuesday. 
Schoolhouse  Custodians — Secretary.  W.  F.  McQuade.  225  White  street.     Meet 

first  Monday,  in  hall  Xo.  G. 
Tailors — Secretary.  Lawrence  Erickson,  box  Gil.     Meet  first  and  third  Tues- 
day, in  hall  Xo.  5. 
Typographical — Secretary,    A.    F.    Hardwick,   38    Adams    street.     Meets   every 

fourth   Sunday,  in  hall  Xo.  1. 
Tobacco  Strippers — Secretary,  Miss  Xettie  Twenty.  33  James  avenue,  Merrick. 

Meet  first  Friday,  in  hall  Xo.  5. 
Tile  Layers — Secretary.  George  Mclntyre,  212  Garden  street.  Hartford.     Meet 

outside   Central    Labor  Union   Hall. 
Textile   Workers,    Xo.   720 — Secretary.   John   Pierlit.  box  472.   Ludlow.     Meet 

at  Ludlow. 
Textile  Workers,  Xo.  7G3 — Secretary.   L  H.  Savard.  box  32.  Indian  Orchard. 


Directory  of  Delegates  to  C.  L.  U. 


The  record  of  names  of  delegates  to  the  Central  Labor  Union  are  so  far 
from  complete  that  it  has  been  deemed  wise  to  limit  the  list  to  the  years 
1903-1912.  Together  with  the  names  of  the  unions  which  they  represent 
and  additional  pertinent  information  appearing  in  the  roll  call,  the  names 
follow : 

AUTO    TRIMMERS,  No.  50 

First  seated  delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union   in   1910. 
President— J.  H.  Mills. 
Secretary — Raymond   Lardy. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1 1 » 1  € » —  1.    H.  Mills.  1).  (i.  Shea.  E.  F.  Goddard  and  T.  If.  Rogers. 
1911— J.   11.  Mills.   B.   F.  Thompson.  X.   E.  St.  Jacques.  T.   11.  Rogers 
and   A.    E.    St.   Germain.     President.   J.    II.    Mills;    secretary.    F. 
Berthiaume. 
1912— Xo  delegates. 

BARBERS'  UNION,  No.  30 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — loo. 
President — P.   F.  Cronin. 
Secretary — William  Caron. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — Jesse    Washington,    Henry    Severin.    George    If.    Hadd.    William 

Caron  and  Fred  Lewis. 
1904 — William  Caron.  Jesse  Washington.  W.  A.  Delamier.  Philip  Cantin, 

Henry  Severin  and  T.  F.  Lewis.     Secretary.  H.  Emerson. 
1905 — I).    J.    Foley.    II.    Severin.    William    Delaurie.   James    Holley    and 

W.   P.   Lenville.     Secretary.   11.  H.   Leverin. 
190G — M.  Xiedel.  Louis  Alpert.  < ).  Tisdell,  Harry  Emerson  and  E.  M. 

Xeibuhr.      Secretary.  II.  H.  Leverin.  succeeded  by  E.  M.  Xeibuhr. 
1907 — James    Flolley,    Stephen    Corella,    II.    C.    Xeibuhr.    J.    F.    Garvey, 

II.   Wintrick   and   G.    A.   Stiltz.      Secretary.    E.   M.    Xeibuhr. 
190S — I.  Duahaw,  II.  C.  Xeibuhr.  George  Wolf.  George  Lussier.  Ernest 

Hulette   and   Joseph    Develean.      President.    P.    F.    Cronin;    secre- 
tary. L.  St.  Cyr. 
1909— M.    C.    Xeibuhr,    George    Spengler.    J.    Deraleau.    F.    Patrio    and 

Arthur    Dame.      President.    P.    F.    Cronin;    secretary.    L.    St.    Cyr. 

succeeded   by    W.    Xeibuhr. 
1910 — George    Spengler,    Clinton    Haley.    II.    L.    Xeibuhr.    John    Perron 

and    Leander    St.    Cyr.     President.    P.    J.    O'Brien;    secretary.    L. 

St.   Cyr. 
1911— H.    C.   Xeibuhr.   J.    Perron.    R.    G.    Spengler.   C.    Danick   and    W. 

Taylor.      President.    P.   J.   Cronin;    secretary.    L.    St.    Cyr. 
1912— H.    C.    Xiebuhr.    J.    Perron.    W.    Taylor.    C.    Daniels    and    R.    G. 

Spengler.     President,    P.    J.    Cronin;    secretary.    II.    C.    Xeibuhr. 


11?)  Central  Labor  Union  History 


BARBERS'  UNION,  No.  199 

Membership  January  1,  1903 — 15. 
President — William  Mc(  iowan. 
Secretary — William  J.  Murphy. 

The  union  had  no  regular  meeting  place   in  those  days;   meetings  held  in 
various  barber  shops  on  the  last  Thursday  of  each  month. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

l!t()3 — William  J.  Murphy,  William  Bowdoin,  Ovide  Lague,  A.    Fortier 

and  W.  McGowan. 
1904 — Maurice    Mashin.    E.    Lincourt    and    Ovide    Lague.     Secretary, 

W.  J.  Murphy. 
1905— X.    Lague.   C.   P.   Deraleau,   W.    McGowan,   J.   Bell   and   Ovide 
Lague. 
Union  withdrew  from  Central  Labor  Union  in  fall  of  190."). 

BARTENDERS'  UNION,  No.  67 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — 100. 
President — M.   F.   Connolly. 
Secretary — F)aniel  P.  Cavanaugh. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— M.  F.  Connolly,  William  Cone.   J.    T.  Moran.  M.    T.  Kelliher  and 

and  J.  C.  Allis* 
1904— T.    M.    O'Donnell.    W.    O.    Cone,    James    Turner.    M.    J.    Kelliher 

and  G.  McQueen.     Secretary  D.  Cavanaugh. 
1905 — T.   Barry.   H.   Perron,  G   McQueen,  Jere   Dwyer  and  J.  Moran. 

Secretary,   D.   Kavanaugh. 
190G — G.    W.    McQueen.   J.   T.   Moran.   Peter   Dunn,   W.   Houlihan   and 

J.   Morrissey.     Secretary,  T.   M.   O'Donnell. 
190?' — G.  W.  McQueen,  W.  Fitzpatrick,  Warren  Clark,  Patrick  Walsh 

and  William    Houlihan.     Secretary,  T.   M.   O'Donnell. 
190S— J.  J.  Dwyer,  W.  Kelly.  J.  J.  Hamilton.  E.  Raleigh  and  J.  Coughlin. 
1909__J.    J.    Dwyer,    J.    Passing,    F.    Raleigh,    P.    McCarthy    and    T.    F. 

Reardon.     President,    E.   Raleigh;   secretary.   T.   Devine. 
1910— J.  J.   Dwyer.  E.  Raleigh,  P.   McCarthy,   R.   Reilly  and  Albert  S. 

Duquette.     President,   E.   Raleigh;    secretary,   T.    H.    Devine. 
L9H_E.   Raleigh,,   J.    J.    Dwyer,   M.    Canning.   J.   Hamilton    and   T.    H. 

Devine.     President.    J.    J.    Dwyer:    secretary.    T.    M.    O'Donnell. 
1912 — F.    Raleigh,    J.   J.    Dwyer.   M.    Canning.    J.    Hamilton   and   T.    H. 

Devine.     President. :    secretary.    T.    TT.    Devine. 

BARTENDERS'  UNION,  No.  116   (CHICOPEE) 

Membership  January   1.  1903 — 3<>. 
President — Francis  W.  Farrell. 
Secretary — 1).  J.  Readdin. 
Delegates  to   Central    Fahor  Union — 

1903 — M.  J.  Trehy,  John   Sweeney.  Frank  Cooney,  James   1;.   Kinna  and 
Thomas  A.    1  lickev. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  147 


1904— D.  J.  Readdin,  M.  J.  Trehy,  Patrick  Brady,  J.  O'Xeil  and  Thomas 

Barrv.     Secretary,  D.   T.  Readdin. 
1905— M.  J.   Trehy.  J.  O'Xeil,  P.  J.   Grady,  M.   P.   O'Brien  and   D.  J. 

Readdin.     Secretary.  D.  J.  Readdin. 

The  local  withdrew  to  join  Chicopee  Trades  Council. 
1908 — Bartenders  again  appeared  on   records  of  Central   Lahor   Union 

with    the    following   delegates:     T.    A.    Hickey,    F.    \Y.    Farrell, 

\Y.  C.  Maloney,  Nelson  Riendeau  and  G.  Santibar.  the  president 

of  the  local  being  T.  A.  Hickey  and  secretary  J.   F.  Dunn. 
1909— F.    H.    Hickey.    John    Grady,    W.    Quinlan,    F.    \V.    Farrell    and 

C.  Dixon.     President.  T.  A.  Hickey:   secretary.   \V.   C.   Maloney. 
1910— F.  W.  Farrell.  T.  J.  Kaveney,  P.  J.  McDermott,   P.  Martell  and 

M.   J.    Shea.      President.   T.   Kaveney:   secretary.    L.    D.    Demack. 
1911— C.  \V.   Dore.  T.  J.  Kaveney,  J.  J.   Fish.  M.  J."  Shea  and  F.   \Y. 

Farrell.     President,   T.   J.   Kaveney:    secretary.    F.    B.    Walsh. 
1912— D.    Mortell.    P.   F    Mortell,   T.    Kane.   T.   J.    Kaveney   and    F.    \Y. 
Farrell.     President.    F.    \Y.    Farrell:    secretary.    T.    J.    Kaveney. 

BASEBALL  MAKERS'  UNION,  No.   10929 

Membership  January  1,  1903—100. 
President — 1  lenry  Werner. 
Secretary— Charles  O.  White. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  L'nion — 

1903—  H.  Werner.  J.  Trout,  Myer  Tober.  P.  Y.  O'Connell  and  Charles 

<  ).  White. 
19()1 — Patrick  O'Connell.  Charles  Thompson,  Myer  Tober.  Israel  Tober 

and    A.    King.     Secretary.    James    Kervick. 
1905 — W.    J.    Barton,    F.    Comstock,   J.    Cavanaugh.    P.    O'Connell    and 

Israel  Tober.     Secretary,  T.  F.   Hurley. 
190G — C.   O.   White.  M.    Landry,   W.  J.    Barton.   T.  Comstock  and    F.   J. 

O'Connell.     Secretarv,   T.    F.   Hurley. 
I'.m »7  —  \Y.  Barton.  C.  O.  White.  M.  Tober,  L.  Comstock  and  J.  Kervick. 

Secretarv,  T.   F.   I  lurley. 
1908 — W.  Barton,  M.  Tober,  C.  Fov,  E.  Xewhauser  and   fames  Kervick. 

President.  A.  J.   Barton;  secretary.  T.   1-".   Hurley. 
1909— M.    Toiler.    T."  F.    Hurley.    J.    B.    Fulton,    W.    J.    Barton    and    F. 
Xewhauser.      President,    A.    I.    Barton:    secretarv,    T.    F.    Hurley. 
1910 — Xo  delegates  recorded  as  seated. 
1911— Xo  delegates  recorded  as   seated. 

BAKERS   AND   CONFECTIONERS'  UNION 

Membership   January    1,    19o:j — ■>•'.. 
President— G.  Wocdtke. 
Secretarv — F.  A.   Kelson. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor   l'nion— 

i'.to:;—  [•"..    Netoliskv.    I'.   A.    Nelson.   George   Osoluu-r   and   J.    Dooley. 

1904— L    Doolev,    F.    A.    Nelson.    George   (  Fclmer.    M.   )■   Clark   and    II. 
I  larrv.      Secretarv.    F.    A.    Nelson. 


14S  Central  Labor  Union  History 


1905— D.   E.   Dooley,   F.   A.   Nelson,   G.   Oschner,   C.   Schilliam  and  W. 

Forrester.     Secretary,  D.  E.  Dooley. 
1900 — Xo  delegates  seated. 
1907 — Xo  delegates  seated. 
190S — Xo  delegates  seated. 
1909— J.   J.    Dooley,   D.   E.   Dooley,   G.   Oschner,   A.    S.   Kober   and  H. 

Forrester.     Secretary,  R.  Sanders. 
1910 — Dennis   E.   Dooley,  J.   Dooley  and   George  Oschner.     The  latter 

was  secretary  this  year. 
1911 — Messrs.  Slumph,  Wilson,  Whitlaw,  Harrington  and  Dooley. 

BLACKSMITHS'  UNION,  No.  242 

Membership  January  1,  1903 — 31. 
President — Edward  C.  Duffee. 
Secretary— Patrick  J.   McMahon. 

1903 — William  Knowles,  Patrick  Flemming,  E.  C.  Duffy.  H.  J.  Bellamy 
and  William  McCarthy. 

1904— Timothy    Duffy,    Edward    C.     Duffy,    William    Bailey,    Patrick 
O'Donnell  and  L.  Favro.     Secretary,  E.  C.  Duffy. 

1905 — Xo  delegates. 

1906— Xo  delegates. 

1907 — Xo  delegates. 

190S — Xo  delegates. 

BRASS  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.  176 

Membership  January  1,  1903 — 70. 
President— George  Wallace. 
Secretary — Charles  F.  McCaffrey. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — J.  O'Brien,  C.  L.  Butler,  George  Wallace,  George  Comstock  and 

J.  Boutier. 
1904—  Charles  F.  McCaffrey,  John  O.  Buick,  J.  O'Brien,  W.  McCarthy 

and  Mathew  Hennessey.     Secretary,  C.  F.  McCaffrey. 
1905 — G.  Morrell,  J.  H.   O'Brien,  J.   Duggan,   G.   Eagen  and  M.   Hen- 
nessey.    Secretary,  C.  F.  McCaffrey. 
1900— E.    Gower,    C.    McCaffrey,   J.    Boucher,    Archie   Fenton   and    W. 

McCartv.     Secretary,  C.  McCaffrey. 
1907— D.  E.  Sullivan.  W.  McCarthy,  C.  F.  McCaffrey.  E.   Gower  and 

J.  O'Brien.     Secretary.  C.   McCaffrey. 
190S — Xo  record. 
1909— Xo  record. 

BOILERMAKERS'  UNION,  No.  218 

Membership  January  1,  1903 — 25. 
President — Thomas   Bellamy. 
Secretary — Frank  Davidson. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 


Central  Labor  Uxiox  History  149 


1903 — Frank  Davidson.  Timothy  Foley.  Patrick  Burns.  William  Jacob- 
son  and  Thomas  Bellamy. 

1904 — P.  Burns,  R.  Mackenzie.  Dennis  Xoonan,  J.  Fitzgerald  and  J.  F. 
Lane.     Secretary.   F.   Davidson. 

1905 — Xo  delegates. 

1900 — Xo  delegate.-. 

1907— Xo  delegates. 

BOTTLERS  AND  DRIVERS'  UNION,  No.   143 

Membership  January   1,    1903 — 30. 
President — John  Meguane. 
Secretary — P.  Rappold. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor  Union — 

1903 — Patrick  Lvnch.  Martin  Linnane.  T.  [.  Collins.  ].  ].  Folcv  and 
J.  J.   Bassing. 

1904 — Jacob  Stockel,  T.  J.  Collins.  Joseph  Goldin,  P.  Campbell  and 
Karl    Rubenstein.     Secretary.   P.    11.    Rappold. 

190.1 — Karl  Rubenstein.  P.  Campbell.  J.  Camwell,  J.  Stockel  and  J. 
Lyons.      Secretary.  K.   Rubenstein. 

1906 — T.  J.  Collins.  M.  Touhey,  J.  A.  Vivian,  K.  Rubenstein  and  J. 
Lyons.      Secretary.  J.   A.   Vivian. 

1907 — Xo  delegates  recorded.     Secretary,   P.  J.   Marra. 

1908— J.  McGuane,  M.  Burke,  P.  J.  Marra.  M.  Lyons  and  K.  Ruben- 
stein.     President.   Myles   Burke;    secretary.    P.   J.   Marra. 

19(19— E.  McCormack.  Michael  Clark.  Myles  Burke,"  P.  J.  Marra  and 
J.   McGowan.      President.   Myles    Burke:   secretarv,   P.    1.    Marra. 

1910— P.  J.  Marra.  Matthew  Meade.  E.  McCormack.  }'.  McGuane  and 
Myles    Burke.     President,   M.    Burke;   secretary.   P.  J.    Marra. 

1911— J.  Keough.  M.  McGuane,  M.  Kane,  C.  Dowd  and  ( ).  Marra. 
President,  J.   McGuane;   secretary.  AV.   F.   Driscoll. 

Bill'— P.  Maloney.  P.  II.  Howard  and' J.  Keough.  President,  J.  Mc- 
Guane;   secretary.    \Y.    E.    Driscoll. 

BOX  MAKERS'  UNION,  No.  207 

Membership  January  1.  1903—50. 
President — ( ieorge   Parrel. 

Secretary — Charles   Scanlon. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor   Cnion — 

1!)03 — Charles  Scanlon.  Joseph  Lewis.  William  Graven  and   1.   I'.,   bortier. 

1904 — Xo  record;   probably   withdrew   from   Central    Labor    Cnion. 

BOOKBINDERS'  UNION,  No.  74 

Membership  January   1,   1903 — 20. 

I  'resident — R.   J.    I  laves. 
Secretary — 11.  J.    Rosenberg. 
Delegates  to   Central    Labor   Cnion — 

1!M)3— T.  C.  Conev.   11.    I.  Rosenberg,   V .   Kattler  and   R.    i.   Haves. 


150  Central  Labor  Union  History 


19()4 — Secretary,   H.  J.   Rosenberg.     Xo  delegates  recorded  after  1903. 
1005— J.    C.    Coney.    H.    J.    Rosenl)erg.    H.    Kattler    and    R.    J.    Hayes. 

Secretary.   H.  J.   Rosenberg. 
1011— J.  Dooley.  C.  Schilling.  H.  J.  Wilson  and  T.  C.  Kirk.     President. 

C.    Schilling;    secretary.    R.    Philip. 
1912— J.    Dooley,  C.   Schilling.   R.    Philip,  J.   T.    Schlegel   and   T.    Kirk. 

President.    C.    Schilling;    secretary    R.    Philip. 

BREWERY  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.  99 

Membership  January  1,  1903 — GS. 

President . 

Secretary — Paul  H.  Rappold. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— R.  W.  Daust,  Fred  Gotler.  James  Lyons.  P.  H.  Rappold  and  O. 

\Y.   McGettrick. 
10(14— P.   H.   Rappold.  James   Lyons.   \Y.   Ward.   J.   Tobin  and   O.   Mc- 

( iettrick.     Secretary.    P.    H.    Rappold. 
1905— M.  Xolan,  W.  Ward.  J.  Tobin.  Paul  Rappold  and  C.  Schwender. 

Secretary.  R.  Merchant. 
19<ti';_ W.  Ward,  M.  Lenane,  Paul  Rappold.  G.  Heip  and  J.  Prendeville. 

Secretary.  P.  H.  Rappold. 
10(17— P.  H.  Rappold.  J.  Quinlan,  W.  Ward.  M.  Lenane  and  J.  Prinde- 

ville.     Secretary.  P.  H.  Rappold. 
190S — P.  H.  Rappold,  James  Maloney.  James  Tobin,  A.  Fitzgerald  and 

T.   Dowd.     President.    T.  Quinlan.   secretary.  Paul  Rappold. 
10(10— P.  H.  Rappold.  H.  Warner,  T.  Dowd.  W.  j.  King  and  L.  Dasset. 

President.  William  Ward;  secretary,  P.  H.  Rappold. 
1910— J.   Hallahan,   J.   G.    Glynn.   H.   Wagner.   J.   Maroney   and   P.    H. 

Rappold.     President.  J.   Hallahan ;    secretary,   P.    H.   Rappold. 
1011— W.  T.  Ward.  J.  Hallahan.  J.  Xolan.  R.  Houlihan  and  M.  Hayes. 

President    T.   Tobin;   secretary.   W.   T.    Ward. 
1012 — \\".  T.  Ward.  L.  Dassett.  W.  McSweeney.  P.  Craft  and  T.  Prende- 
ville.     President.    W.    McSweeney;    secretary.    \Y.    T.    Ward. 

BRICKLAYERS  AND  PLASTERERS'  UNION,  No.  1 

Membership  January  1,  1003 — 125. 
President — T.  A.   Shea. 
Secretary — D.  W.  Haggerty. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903— William    Williston,   J.    C.   Murphy.    F.   L.    Sullivan.    R.   A.    Hen- 
nessey and  D.  W.  Haggertv. 
1904— M.    j".    Dunn.    J.    P.    Chine.' H.    F.    Thomas.    J.    F.    Haggerty.    F. 

Gleason   and   R.   A.   Hennessey.     Secretary,    D.   Haggertv. 
1905— D.   J.    Haggerty.   M.   T.    Walsh.    11.    F.    Avers.   J.   W.   Riley   and 

R.    A.    Hennessey.     Secretary.    1).    Haggerty. 
19O0— R.   A.   Hennessey,  T.  J.   Sullivan.  1).   Haggerty.  J.  J.   Walsh   and 
(  r.     W.     Curtis.       Secretary.     F.     Payers,     succeeded     by     R.     A. 
I  [ennessey. 
19(i;—  J.  J.  Walsh.  R.  A.  Hennessey.  G.  W.  Curtis.  C.  W.  Leagar  and 
I.    1').   P.    Dupont.      Secretary.   G.   W.   Curtis. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  151 


1908 — P.   J.   Dineen,   R.   A.   Hennessey.  J.    B.   P.   Dupont,   J.   Haggerty 

and   J.    J.    Walsh.     President.    H.    L.    Thomas:    secretary,    L.    ( i. 

Kinsman. 
1909— J.  J.   Walsh.   C.   Connelly,   R.   A.    Hennessey.   C.   W.    Seager  and 

H.  L.  Thomas.     Air.  Seager  withdrew.  M.  Haggerty  being  seated 

in  his  stead.     President.  H.   L.  Thomas;   secretary.   L.   Kinsman, 

succeeded   by  R.   A.    Hennessey. 
1910— R.  A.  Hennessey.  J.  J.  Walsh.  W.  C.  Williston.  D.  W.  Haggerty 

and  J.   F.  Haggerty.     \\".   C.   Williston  was  president;   secretary. 

L.   H.    Kinsman. 
1911— R.  A.  Hennessey,  J.  J.  Walsh.  D.  M.  Dowd.  T.  A.  Shea  and  D. 

M.    Haggerty.     President.   T.   A.    Shea:    secretary.   D.   M.   Dowd. 
1912— R.  A.   Hennessey,   D.  M.   Haggerty.   1).  M.   Dowd.  T.  M.  Collins 

and  J.  F.  Haggerty.     President,  H.  L.  Thomas:  secretary,  R.  A. 

Hennessey. 

BRIDGE  AND   STRUCTURAL   IRONWORKERS'   UNION 

Membership  in  1903—100. 

President — Xo  record. 
Secretary — Xo  record. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— William    Weston.    T.    Dowd.    William    Butler,    W.     [.    Reed    and 
H.  Rogers. 

190-4 — Henry  Venshon,  Thomas  Dowd.  Howard  Rogers.  William  Olney 
and  W.  E.  Weston. 

1905— Xo  record. 

1900— Xo  record. 

1907 — Xo  record. 

BUILDING  LABORERS'  UNION,  No.  3 

Membership  January   1.  1903 — SO. 
I  'resident  —  Patrick  Coffey. 
Secretary — Patrick  J.   Linehan. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903 — John    A.    Mannix.   Thomas   Cilmore,   John    Scanlon.    Patrick    Mc- 
Carthy  and    Francis    Nugent. 
190-1 — J.   Mannix,  Thomas  (iilmore.  J.   Scanlon.   Patrick   McCarthy  and 

Francis    Nugent.     Secretary.    1'.    I.    Linehan. 
19(1.") — F.   Nugent.   M.    Duggan.  J.   Scanlon.  J.   .Mannix  and   T.   Gilmore. 

Secretary,  T.  <  iilnx  ire. 
1900— M.    J.    King,    M.    Dugan.    M.    Maloney.    Cornelius    Sullivan.     F. 

Nugent    and   T.    ( iilmore — latter   was   secretary. 
19o?  —  Dennis     Foley,    T.    ( iilmore.     D.    Sullivan,     F.    Moriarty    and    P. 

(iranger.      Secretary.   T.   (iilmore. 
l'.ios — \\   Moriarty,    I).   Foley.    1'.  (iranger.  T.  Cilmore  and    D.   Sullivan. 

President,    [ohn    Hurley;   secretary.  T.   (iilmore. 
1909 — I).    Sullivan.   Thomas   (iilmore.   M.    Mahonev.    lohn    Scannell    and 
I.    Mallov.      Secretary.    1.    Mallow 


!.">:_>  Central  Labor  Union  History 

101(1 — I).  Sullivan.  J.  Scanlon,  J.  Trant,  Dennis  Foley  and  M.  Maloney. 

M.  Maloney  was  president  and  Dennis   Foley  secretary. 
1011 — P.  Connell, Lang-,  F.  Xugent,  J.  Scanlon  and  I).  Sullivan. 

President.   ;    secretary,    D.   Foley. 

1012— D.    Sullivan.    T.    Kellaliar.   J.    Trant.   j.   Teehan    and    F.    Xugent. 

President,   Martin   Maloney;    secretary,   D.    Foley. 

BUILDING  LABORERS'  UNION,  No.  36   (ITALIAN) 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

10(14 — B.   L.    Bruni,   Antony    Seaglionio.    Tony   Miani.    Michael   Polazzi 

and  John    Balboni.      Secretary.  M.  Polazzi. 

Xo  other  record  appears  on  the  roll   call. 
1905 — G.   Pasmbeni,   P.   Amiliare,   G.    Baloni,   Giuseppi    Pcigoli   and   G. 

Ambrog.     Secretary,  B.  L.  Bruni. 
100G — A.   Gudette,   A.   Polazzi,   L.    Bruni,   Vincent   De   Caro  and  J.    B. 

Consoline.     Secretary.   P.  Polazzi. 
100? — A.  Polazzi.  G.  Xosimebeni,  D.  Cignoni.  P.  Bregli  and  F.  Lonouni. 

Secretary.  A.   Polazzi. 
100S— G.  Pradella,  G.  Xosimebeni.  G.  Piccoli,  P.   P.regli  and  G.  Perzini. 

Secretary.    G.   Pradella. 
1900— P.    Breglio,    P.    Grovanni.    G.    Proladda.    G.    Xasimebeni    and    P. 

Gaetano.     Secretary.  \\*.  Bisetti. 
1910 — p     Breglio.    L.    Francesco.    O.    Phetoli.    E.    Polazzi    and    Anton 

Chetoli.      President.    J.    Bisetti;    secretary.    A.    Bresi. 
1911 — L.  Bonetti.  L.  Bruni.  P.  Domenico,  F.  Landrino  and  P.  Breglio. 

President,   D.   Consolati ;   secretary,   \Y.    Bessetti. 
1012 — J.  Considini.  F.  Tovotti.  1).   Simonetti.   T.    Berri   and  A.   Palozzi. 

President.  D.  Consolati;  secretary,  T.   Berri. 

BILL  POSTERS  AND  BILLERS  OF  AMERICA,  No.  15 

Membership  January  1,  1903— 14. 
President — Paul  Davis. 
Secretary — Robert  H.  Clark. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

10O3— Paul    Davis,   Bert   Busha.    T.    1.    Xihill.   Fred   Belmont   and    R.   H. 

Clark. 
1004— G.    Caron,    Paul    Davis.    R.    II.    Clark.    F.    P.    Belmont    and    A.   J. 

Busha.    -Secretary.   R.    11.   Clark. 
10O5— R.   H.   (lark.   Paul   Davis.  J.   Xihill.   August   Miller  and    Raymond 

Furrows.     Secretary.    R.   H.   Clark. 
100(i — Paul  Davis,  YY.  Marsh.  R.  Simons  and  August  Miller.      Secretary. 

R.   If.   (lark. 
10o7  —  Paul    Davis,   \V.   Allen,   C.   Hastings.    Robert    Simons   and    Robert 

('lark.      Secretary.    Paul    Davis. 
190* — Paul    Davis.    M.    Coughlin.    M.    Shea.    Charles    Hastings    and    J. 
Connors.      President.    Robert    II.    Clark;    secretary.    Paul    Davis. 
lOoO — Paul   Davis.  ('.   Hastings.  Michael   Shea,  1).  Moriarty  and  Merle 
Willis.      President,   R.    II.   Clark;   secretary,    Paul    Davis. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  153 


1910 — Charles    Hastings    and     Paul     Davis.     President,     R.     If.    Clark; 

secretary,    Paul    Davis. 
1911  —  Paul   Davis,  M.  Willis,  J.  Moriarty  and  C.   Hastings.     President, 

J.    Moriarty;   secretary.    Paul    Davis. 
1912— Paul   Davis.  M.   Willis.  M.   Shea  and  J.  Moriarty.     President,  J. 

Moriarty;   secretary,    Paul   Davis. 

BUTTON  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.  75-46 

Membership  January  1.  190.3 — (i(). 
President — William  J.   Brady. 
Secretary — William  J.  Casseles. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor  Union — 

15)03 — Joseph   Knapp,   P.  Pureed,  William  J.    Brady,  James   English  and 

lames   \\  estover. 
1901 — W.  J.  Casseles.  J.   Ileltner.  James  English,   Peter  Roendeau  and 

J.   Sheehan.     Secretary.   W.  J.  Casseles. 
1905 — J.    R.    English,    J.    Brouillard,    J.    Pattison,    W.    J.    Casseles    and 

W.    Workheiser.      Secretary.   W.   Reid. 
1900 — E.    Ouinlivan.    J.    R.    English,    J.    Heffner,    T.    M.    Sharp    and   J. 

Panic.      Secretary,  W.   Reid. 
190?' — Xo  record. 

CARPENTERS'  UNION,  No.  96 

Membership    lanuarv   1.    19(13 — '214. 
President — Ccorge    P.    Stebbins. 
Secretarv — Xelson   A.  Maurice. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

15)03 — X.    E.    Maurice.    Joseph    Payette,    A.    J.    Pillion.    W.    Lafrancisse 

and  (  ieorge  A.   Roy. 
15HI4 — W.   J.    LaPrancis.    X.    E.    Maurice.    ( \.   A.    Roy.    A.   Cregoire   and 

Stanislaus    Vezina.      Secretary.   X.    E.   Maurice. 
1:105 — A.     I.    Pillion,    fohn    Messier    and    W.    J.    Pal;rancis.      Secretary, 

X.    P.   Maurice. 
l!)(l(i — W.  J.   LaPrancis.  A.   Bernard.  A.  Choiniere.  A.  T.   Roy  and  J.    P. 

Ostigny.      Secretarv,    X.    E.   Maurice. 
l'.Hii  —  A.  Choiniere.   W.    I.   LaPrancis,    E.    Rene.    X.   E.   Maurice  and   A. 

Poisy.      Secretary,    X.    E.    Maurice. 
1 1)( is—  X.    E.    Maurice,    S.    Vesina.    W.   J.    LaPrancis,    1.    Boubauger   and 

A.    Poisy.      President,    I.   II.   Payette:   secretarv,  J.    II.   Parent. 
1 '.">!»- -A\'.   I.  LaPrancis.  A.   Poisy.  J.  \  dime.  A.   Deiuond  and  P.   Boucher. 

President.    I.   II.   Payette;   secretary,   X.    E.   Maurice. 
1910 — P.    Merchand.    A.    P<  isy.    I.    Breault.    S.    Pelanger.    P.    Bourchier 

and  \\  .  J.   LaPrancis.      poPy  withdrew  and  S.   Vezina  was  -eated. 

President.    M .   Joubert;   secretarv,   (  i.    Prancouer. 
1911  —  L.    Vizina.    W."  J.    LaPrancis.    !.'    I.    Briault,    P.    Boucher   and    A 

Poisy.      President.   M.  Joubert:   secretarv,    V.   T.   Cagnon. 
PUi'-  W.    J.    LaPrancis.    T.    Boucher,    P.    Vizina.    I.    I.    Briault    and    A 

Poisv.      President,    |.    P.    Messer;    secretarv.    \".    T.   (iaminn. 


154  Central  Labor  Union*   History 


CARPENTERS'  UNION.  No.  177 

J 'resident — No   record. 
Secretary — William    Foster. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1901 — \Y.    Poster,   G.    \\".    Bruce,   W.    W.    R.   Miner.   Isaac    Mutton   and 

J.   W.   Foster.      Secretary,   William   Foster. 
1905— G.   W.    Bruce,  J.   W.    Foster.   William    Foster,   W.   W.   R.   .Miner. 

G.    A.    White    and   J.    A.    Berggren.     Secretary.    William    Foster. 
190(5— G.  W.   Bruce.  W.   Foster,  M.  T.   Xihill.  W.   \V.   R.  Miner.  T.   11. 

Davis.   J.    W.    Xash   and    F.   Corbin.     Secretary.    W.    E.    fackson. 
1907— M.   T.   Xihill.   E.  A.    Parent.   L.    B.   Xewton,  J.   W.   Xash  and  J. 

Burt.     Secretary.  W.   E.    [ackson. 
1908— W.   P.    Walsh.  M.   T.   Xihill.   (i.   W.    Bruce.   F.  J.  Collins  and   E. 

Bennett.     President.  D.   1).   Peck:  secretary.  L.   W.   Willcutt. 
1909— M.  T.   Xihill.  J.  M.  Patterson.   E.   F.  McCann,   I".  J.   Collins  and 

J.  A.  Berggren.      President.  G.  White:  secretary.  L.  W.  Willcutt. 
1910 — G.  Johnston,  W.  Smith,  F.  C.  Magravis,  J.  M.   Dunn  and  W.   IP 

Crafts.     President,    G.    W.    Bruce;    secretary.    F.    Bennett. 
1011— M.   T.   Xihill.   E.   Bennett,  T.   McCarroll.    F.. Chaplin   and   M.   J. 

O'Connor.      President,  W.  Foster:  secretary.   F.    Barbour. 
1912— M.   T.    Xihill,   T.    McCarroll.   E.   A.    Stevens.    I.    L.    Calkins   and 

A.  W.  Wilson.     President.  E.  Bennett;  secretary.  F.  W.  Barbour. 

CARPENTERS'  UNION,  No.  1105   (MILLMEN) 

Secretary — A.  IP  Clairmont. 

Xo  record  of  president. 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1904 — A.  II.  Clairmont.  A.  A.  Fountain,  E.  O.  Dodge  and  PI.  E.  Jones. 
1905— L.    J.    Walker.    E.    O.     Dodge.    A.    IP    Clairmont,    J.     F."    Day 

(deceased).    C.    J.    Styles   and    G.    McManus.      Secretary.    A.    M. 

Aiken    ( deceased ) . 
190(5— A.     IP    Clairmont.    G.    McManus,    L.    J.    Walker    and    William 

Lindsay     Secretary,   A.    L.    Houghton. 
1007 — X.   K.   Mangurian.  L.   J.   Walker.   A.    IP   Clairmont   A.    P.    Peter- 
son   and   G.    Hayes.      Secretary.    A.   L.    Houghton. 
1008— L.  J.    Walker.  G.   L.  Hayes.   X.   K.   Mangurian,   A.    II.   Clairmont 

and    C.     Schulze.       President,    (i.    L.     Hayes:     secretary.    A.     L. 

Houghton. 
HHiO— A.    II.    Clairmont.    G.    L.    Hayes    and    P.    J.    Walker.     President. 

G.   L.    Hayes:   secretary.   A.   L.    Houghton. 
1910 — A.  L.  Houghton.  G.  L.  Hayes,  P.  W.  O'Connor.  William  Lindsay 

and    P.    J.    Walker.      President.    M.    K.    Pease:    secretary.    A.    P. 

I  loughton. 
1911— G.  P.  Hayes.  P.  W.  O'Connor.  B.  M.  Broderick.  P.  J.  Walker  and 

A.  Fleming.      President.  F.  M.  Felch ;  secretary.  A.  L   Houghton. 
1919_G.  L.  Hayes.  W.  Lindsay.  F.  M.  Felch.  X.  K.  Mangurian  and  P. 

W.  O'Connor.    President.  F.  M.  Felch:  secretary.  A.  P.  Houghton. 


Central  Labor  Union  History 


CARPENTERS'  UNION,  No.  745 

Membership  January  1.   1003 — 25. 
President — George   Duncan. 
Secretary — I).  Tindal. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903 — George    Duncan.   William    Lindsev,   A.   M.    Aiken.   M.    Barrv   and 
1).   Tindal. 

1904 — Xo  record. 

1905— Xo  record. 

CARPENTERS'  UNION,  No.  685   (CHICOPEE) 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — (Hi. 
President — ( ieorge    Basiliere. 
Secretary — Alfred    Pi  vest. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903 — Frank  Blanchard,  L.  ( ).  Fournier,  (ieorge  11.  Basiliere,  E.  Gouger 

and  J.  Comtois. 
1904 — ( ).  Premo.  S.   Vesinear,  T.  Coven,  J.   Paige  and  L.  O.  Fournier. 

Secretary,  A.   Pi  vest. 
1905— F.   St.   Cyr.   W.   Millctte.   F.    Blanchard,   L.   ().    Fournier  and   O. 

Premeau.     Secretary,  A.  Rivcst. 
lOOfi— M.   F.  Peed.  F.  G.   Bird,  G.   P.  Dion.  J.   II.  Cote  and  P.  O.   Four- 
nier.     Secretary,   F.   ( i.    Bird,   succeeded  by   A.   Rivest. 
1907 — \V.    Millctte.    P.    ().    Fournier,    Fred    Rheaume.    J.    Rushlow    and 
A.    Rivest.     Secretary,   A.    Rivest. 
The  local  withdrew  from  the  Central  body   December  1.   1907. 

CIGAR  MAKERS'  UNION,  No.  49 


Membership  January  1.   1903—230. 
I  'resident —  lames   Londigon. 
Secretary  —  i  lenry   I  lealy. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor   Union — 

1903 — (Ieorge    II.    Wrenn.    \V.   Council,    A.    I  I  allenstein.    G.    ]•'..    Vincens, 

William  J.    Murphy. 
190-1 — F.    Kicnard,    W.    A.    Council,   J.    W.    Griddle.    Alexander    Hallen- 

stein   and   (  1.    F.    Vincens.      Secretary.    II.    llealv. 
1905— A.    I  lallenstein.    W.    A.    Council.    J.    W    Griddle.    Paul    Sheehan. 
Paul   lloetle.  J.   F.  Mahoney  and   II.  llealv.      Secretary.   II.   I  lealy. 
190(5— J.    W    ("riddle.    II.    llealv.    A.    1  lallenstein.    J.    F.    Mahoney    and 

P.  II.  Sheehan.  Secretary,  I  lenry  [lealy. 
190?— J.  W.  ('riddle.  A.  I  lallenstein.  J.  F.  Mahoney.  P.  II.  Sheehan 
and  W.  I.  Murphv.  Secretary.  Henry  I  lealy.  succeeded  by  W 
I.  Murphy. 
190S—  J.  W  Griddle.  J.  F.  Mahoney.  (  ',.  II.  W'renn.  F.  W.  Ludwi" 
and  W.  |.  Murphv.  (riddle.  Mahoney  and  Ludwig  withdrew 
and  I.  Londigon.  II.  Smith  and  [lenry  llealv  served.  President. 
I.    W.    ('riddle;    secretary.    W.    J.    Murphy. 


15»i  Central  Lakor   Union   History 


1909— Alva  Kenton.  Henry  Mealy,  G.  W'renn,  II.  S.  Smith  and  William 
J.  Murphy.  President.  J.  Londigon ;  secretary,  William  J. 
Murphy. 

1910 — Henry  Healy,  George  W'renn,  Alva  Fenton,  W.  11.  Meehan, 
W.  J.  Murphy  and  H.  11.  Le  Clair.  11.  Healy  served  five  months 
and  was  succeeded  by  the  last  named.  President,  fames  Londi- 
gon; secretary,  W.    |.  Murphy. 

1911— G.  H.  W'renn'.  A.  Fenton,  II.' II.  LeClair,  W.  Collins  and  W.  J. 
Murphy.     President.  J.    Londigan ;   secretary,   W.    I.   Murphy. 

1812— G.  H.'Wrenn.  A.  Fenton,  W.  L.  Collins.  J.  W.  Russell  and  J. 
Courtney.     President,    J.    Londigan;    secretary.    J.    W.    Russell. 

COOKS  AND  WAITERS'  UNION 

First  record.  1!»04. 

Secretary — Peter  Clancy. 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1904 — j.   A.   Schebb,   W.   F.  Monahan,   A.   Kusting,    P.  J.   McCormack 

and  J.  Dolphin. 
1905 — P.   J.   O'Connor,  P.   Clancy.  J.    F.   Monahan.  T.  j.    Donnelly  and 

E.  J.   Walsh.     Secretary,   P.   Clancy. 
190G — Xo  record. 
P.HiT— Xo  record. 
1908 — Xo   record. 
1909— J.    F.    Monahan,   C.    C.    Parker.    W.   F.    Haskins,   R.    D.   Doherty 

and    M.    Tassinari.     President,    W.    F.    Haskins;    secretary.    R. 

Doherty. 
1910 — W.     I.     Batters    was    the    only    delegate     whose    name    appears. 

President,    J.    Monahan  ;    secretary.    M.    J.    Letters. 
1911—F.    X.   Shaw.  M.   J.   L.    Letters   and   G.   Abair.     President,    F.    X. 

Shaw  ;    secretary.    M.    J.    L.    Letters. 
1912— F.  X.  Shaw.  M"  J.  L.    Letters  and  G.  Abair.     President,  ; 

secretary.   M.  J.   L.   Letters. 

COAL  HANDLERS'  UNION   (CHICOPEE) 

Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903 — John  Catanitch.  J.  Leatleche.  J.  Stomberg  and  W.   P.  Owens. 
1904 —  Xo  record. 

CLOTHING  CLERKS'  UNION.  No.  256 

Membership   January    1,   1903—100. 
President — J.   Murphy. 
Secretary — L.    L.  Stannard. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor  Union — 

1903— PL    Felix,   S.  J.   Griffin,    If.   F.   Allen.   T.    V.   Morris   and    William 

Lynch. 
1<HI4— L.    [}.    Stannard.    P.    L.   Morrison,   T.   (  >.    Rogers.    H.   J.    lAlix   and 
S.    |.   Griffin.     Secretarv,   L.    L.   Stannard. 


Central  Labor  Union   History  15 


1905 — S.  J.   Griffin,   F.   B.  Morrison.   G.   F.   Shaw.   Frank   Shugrue  and 
W.  E.  Coughlin. 

1000 — Xo  record. 

1907— G.   F.   Shaw.   S.  J.  Griffin,  If.  J.   Felix.   F.  T.   Sturtevant   and   C 

Bengle.     Secretary.    S.   J.    Griffin. 
1908 — H.  J.  Felix.  S.  J.  Griffin,  G.  F.  Shaw.  A.  A.  Glenn  and  C.  Bengle. 

Secretary.    11.  j.   Felix. 
1909 — II.  J.   Felix  the  only  delegate   recorded. 
1910 — 11.  J.   Felix  the  only  delegate  recorded. 
1911 — Xo  delegates   recorded. 

CLERKS'   (DRUG)   ASSOCIATION,  No.  267 

Membership  January  1,   190.°,— 4s. 
President — Harry  11.  Cook. 
Secretary — Walter   \V.    Bradbury. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor   Union — 

1903— H.   II.  Cook.   M.  R.  Johnson.   Frank  Callanan.  Charles   F.  Adams 
and  T.   F.   McCarthy. 

1904 — Xo  delegates  seated.      Secretary.   \V.   V.    Bradbury. 

1905 — Xo  record. 

1906 — Xo  record. 

COAL  HANDLERS'  UNION,  No.  7425 

Membership  January  1.  1903—90. 
President — John    I  Iurley. 
Secretary — F.  R.  Streeter. 
Delegates  to   Central   Labor   Union — 

1903— Patrick    Higgins.    John     Fitzgerald,    William    J.    Walsh,    F.    R. 

Streeter  and  Tolm   Hurley. 
1904 — J.    Fitzgerald,    John    Hurley.    J.    Davis.    Timothy    McCarthy    and 

leremiah   Donovan.      Secretary.  Timothy  McCarthv. 
1905 — lames  Ash.  James  Callahan.  John   Hurley.  James  Davis  and  Tohn 

Fitzgerald.     Secretary,  T.   McCarthy. 
l'.tot; — John     Hurley.    T.    McCarthy.    J.     Fitzgerald.    R.    M.     Xolan    and 

Daniel    Sullivan.      Secretary.    W.    D.    Sullivan. 
1907 — John   Hurley.   D.   Sullivan.    I.   McGrath.  J.   Devine  and   P.   Hough- 

lin.      Secretary.    D.   Sullivan. 
190S— J.   Donovan.  J.  Hurley.   D.  Sullivan,  J.   Fitzgerald  and  P.   Uough- 

1  in.      President,    I.   Hurley ;  secretary.   D.   Sullivan. 
1909— J.  Hurley,  P.  Houlihan.  F.  Sherry.  J.  Fitzgerald  and  R.   Douglas. 

President.    I.    Hurlev;   secretary.    D.   Sullivan. 
1910—J.    Hurlev.    J.    Fitzgerald.    James    Ash.     I.    Donovan    and    R.    G. 

Douglas.     The   last    named    withdrew   and    I).    I.vnch   was   seated. 

President.    L    Hurlev:   secretary.    1\.   ( '..    Douglas. 
1911— J.   Hurley.  P.   Houlihan.   D.    Brinton.  J.    Fitzgerald  and  J.   Bourio. 

President.    I.    Hurlev:    secretary,    P.   Houlihan. 
1912—  J.    Hurley.    J.    Crowley.    M.    Donovan.    P.    Houlihan    and    J.    Fitz- 

crerald.     President.    (.    Hurlev;    secretary.    P.    Houlihan. 


158  Central  Labor  Union  History 

CARRIAGE  AND  WAGON  MAKERS'  UNION,  No.  60 

Membership  January    1,    1903—100. 
I 'resident — I'.  E.  Flynn. 
Secretary — A.  H.  Xewman. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor   Union — 

1903 — Daniel  Hurley,  L.  B.  Champlin,  Thomas  Smalley,  Peter  Maynard 

and  E.   S.   Lebeau. 
11104 — A.  II.  Xewman,  Peter  Maynard,  Irwin  Bailey,  James  Massey  and 

O.  Rousseau.     Secretary,  A.  H.  Xewman. 
1905 — Alfred    Mossy,    Irwin    Bailey,    Peter   Maynard,    O.    Rousseau   and 
A.  Mossy.      Secretary,  A.  II.  Xewman. 
The  local  withdrew  in   1905. 
1900 — Xo  record. 
1907 — Xo  record. 

CARWORKERS'  UNION,  No.  35 

Membership  January   1,   1903 — 50. 
President — James   M.  Justin. 
Secretary — G.   R.   Pease. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— G.   \V.   Kirkland,  James  Justin,   G.    R.    Pease  and    II.   F.   Bristol. 

1904— Xo  record. 

1905 — Xo  record. 

CUSTODIANS   (SCHOOL  HOUSE) 

Delegates  to   Central    Labor    Union — 

1911— A.    J.    Turner.   J.   J.   Twohig.    D.    B.    Butler,    R.    Case   and    E.    II. 

Xewell.     President.    C.    Clark ;    secretary,    \Y.    F.    McCoy. 
1912— E.    H.    Xewell,   J.    J.    Twohig,    M.    \Y.    Fisk    and  J.    IT "  Crowley. 
President,   C.   Clark ;   secretary,   \Y.   F.   McOuade. 

CLERKS'   (GROCERY)   UNION,  No.  267 

Membership   January  1,  1903 — 150. 
President— \\\  H.  Xewell. 
Secretary — B.  J.  O'Connor. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903 — \Y.    II.    Xewell.   James    Donahue,    William    Hart.    B.   J.   O'Connor 

and   James    Holland. 
1904— W.    IT.   Xewell,  J.    B.   Callanan,  J.   A.    Donoghue.  C.   Pollner  and 

and  J.    F.  Gaylord.      Secretary.    B.  J.   O'Connor. 
1905 — Thomas   Donlin,   W.    II.   Xewell.  J.    B.   Callanan.    B.  J.   O'Connor 

and   M.   Irwin.      Secretary,   C.   \\*.    Pollner. 
l!M)ii— E.  J.  Shea,  R.  Casey,  C.  \Y.  Pollner.  J.  J.  Rolston  and  M.  J.  Irwin. 

Secretary,  E.  J.  Shea. 
1907' — Xo   record. 


Central   Labor  Union   History  159 


CLOTH  HAT  AND  CAP  MAKERS'  UNION,  No.  29 

First  record  appears  in  1905. 

Secretary — II.   Kissil. 

Delegates  to  Central    Labor  Union — 

905 — I.  Schultz,  M.   Robinowitz,    |.  Schulman,   II.    [urea  and  II.  Kissil. 

90li — Xo   record. 

907 — Xo  record. 

90S — Xo   record. 

909 — Paul    Tanzer  and    David    Lentz.     The   first    named   was   secretary 

of  the  local. 
1910 — Xo   record. 

DROP  FORGERS  AND  HAMMERMEN'S  UNION,  No.  59 

(  )rganized   March    17,    1902. 
Membership  January    1,   1903 — 3G. 

President — P.   J.    Panders. 
Secretary — J.   II.   Dorman. 
Secrtary — I).  J.  Panders. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor  Union — 

1903 — (ieorge   I.  Smith.  Stephen  Ryan,  Thomas  Rrownlee,   lohn  Faugh- 

lin   and    Eugene   Flint. 
!!)04 — T.   Rrownlee.  J.   II.   Dorman.   P.   Vaughn,  J.  Carey  and  G.   Smith. 

Secretary,    P.   J,    Landers. 
905— p.  S.   Hitchcock.  C.    J.   McCann.  J.  Cressman  and  J.  Carey.     The 

last  delegate  was  also  secretary. 
90(i — !•".    S.    At  water,    p.    \'aughn    and    I.    Paughlin.      Secretary.    P.    F. 

Flint. 

1907 — |.    Paughlin,    C.    T.    Smith    and    V".    Pangland.      Secretary.    P.    F. 

Flint. 

mis — Xo   record. 

90!) — Xo   record. 

ENGINEERS   (STATIONARY),  No.  98 

Membership    lamiarv    1.    1903 — l'5. 
President — C.   A.    Redner. 
Secretary — p.    A.    Fitch. 
Delegates  to  Central    Pabor   Union — 

19U3— John    Thomas,   John    Capen.    I;.    II.    Rcilly,   C.    A.    Redner.    P.    A. 

Fitch  and  A.  <  >*Keefe. 
1901 — [',.   I-'..   Hughes,   P.    [.   Riley.  John    Fenton.    1.  C.   Irwin.   !•"..   A.   Fitch 

and    |ohn   Thomas.      Secretary,   P.   A.   Fitch. 
1905 — J.    II.   Sedgwick,   S.    I.  Cormier.  J.    I'enton,  J.    D.    Thomas  and   P. 

J.    Riley.      Secretary,    I.    II.    Sedgwick. 
19(Hl— A.   P.   Fish.   P.  J.   Riley.  S.  J.  Cormier.  J.   Fenton  and    I.  II.   Sedg- 
wick,  the   latter   secretary   of   local. 
190} — |.     [f.     Sedgwick.     P.     Riley.    C.     Swauson    and     S.    J.    Cormier. 
Secretary,    1.   II.   Sedgwick. 


1G0  Central  Labor  Union  History 


190S — S.  J.  Cormier,  T.  Cormier,  J.  ( ).  Leary,  L.  C.  Moran  and  P.  J. 
Riley.      President,    S.    J.    Cormier;    secretary.    J.    Leary. 

1000 — J.  M.  Carter,  E.  Cummings,  George  \Y.  Fisk,  J'.  J.  Riley  and 
S.  ].  Cormier.     President,  John  Fenton  ;  secretary,  S.  J.  Cormier. 

1910 — S.  J.  Cormier.  M.  Fitzgerald,  J.  Fenton,  1'.  J.  Riley  and  R.  E. 
Clark.     President.  J.   Fenton;   secretary,    S.   J.   Cormier. 

1011— L.  Moren,  J.  L.  Irwin,  J.  Fenton,  P.  J.  Riley  and  A.  Fish,  ['resi- 
dent,   J.    Fenton;   secretary.  J.   Cormier. 

1912— R.  Clark.  P.  J.  Riley.  J.  Fenton,  S.  J.  Cormier  and  J.  Holden. 
President.  J.    Fenton;   secretary,   S.  J.   Cormier. 

ELECTRICAL  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.  7 

Secretary — G.  D.  Beecher. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — M.  Goodwin.  T.  Walling.  J.  Osbonrne.  J.  Reauchemin  and  Mr. 
Hopkins. 

1904 — M.  Goodwin,  A.  J.  Holmes.  G.  D.  Beecher.  W.  H.  Pring  and 
E.   S.   Thurston.     Secretary,   G.   D.    Beecher. 

1905 — Xo  record. 

1900 — Xo  record. 

1907- — Xo  record. 

1908 — Xo  record. 

ELECTRICAL  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.  643 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1011 — P.    O.    Neumann,    A.    Strobele,    E.    Crockett.   H.    T.    Chapin    and 

G.  J.  Lusk.     President,  . 

1012— A.  Strobele.  H.  I.  Chapin.  F.  Rienert,  G.  J.  Lusk  and  J.  Lawless. 

President,  F.  Rienert;  secretary.  J.  Lawless. 

FURNITURE  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.  10 

Membership  January  1,  1903—12. 
President — William   Range. 
Secretary — Adolph  Brosowsky. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

19H3 — A.  Brosowsky.  E.  S.  Land  Larson,  J.  J.  llaller.  A.  Johnson  and 
Mr.   Breshter. 

1904 — Suspended. 

1005 — Xo  record. 

FIREMEN,  No.  283 

Delegates  to   Central   Labor   Union — 

1011  — 11.   T.    Xavlor,   Messrs.   Thompson.   Tobey.    Francis   and    Spencer. 

President.    11.    Xavlor;    secretary,    \Y.    I).    Francis. 
11)12 — Henry     F.     Xavlor,     Messrs.     Thompson.     Tobey,     Francis     and 
Spencer. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  161 

FIREMEN   (STATIONARY),  No.  22 

Membership  January  1,  1903—50. 
President — John  F.  Gaffney. 
Secretary — M.  P.  Ryan. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— M.  Crowe.  G.   Walker.  J.  J.   Gaffney,  Matthew  P.   Ryan  and    F. 
N.  Provost. 

1904 — F.   X.   Provost.     No  other  delegate  seated,  and  only  one  attend- 
ance by   Mr.   Provost.     Probably  withdrew  from  the  body. 

1905— No  record. 

1900— No  record. 

1907 — Xo  record. 

190S— No  record. 

GRAIN  AND   MASON   SUPPLY   HANDLERS,  No.   7445 

This  name  changed  in  1910. 
Delegates  to   Central   Labor   Union — 

1911— W.    Walker,    1).    Sullivan,    J.    McCarthy,    T.    McCarthy    and    A. 

Carrher.      President.    P.    McCarthy;    secretary.   J.   McCarthy. 
1912— P.   J.   Egan.  J.   McCarthy.  J.    Sweeney,    P.   J.   McCarthy   and   W. 
McXamara.      President.   J.    Sweeney;   secretary,   J.   [McCarthy. 

GRANITE  CUTTERS'  UNION 

First  record  appears  in  190G. 
Secretarv — Peter  A.  Lane. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1900 — M.    [.    Cuff.    F.    Cownol,   Clayton    Giroux.    Patrick    OT.rien    and 

P.  A.    Pane. 
1907 — W.   McClean,  J.   Cavanaugh.    P.   A.    Pane.    Fred    flames   and   M. 

Cuff.      Secretarv.   P.   A.    Pane. 
10OS — J.    Rozaza.   \\".    Hill.   J.   Cavanaugh,    F.   Carrol   and    1'.    A.    Lane. 

President.  J.   A.  Cavanaugh;   secretary.   P.   A.    Pane. 
1909 — Xo   record. 
1910— No   record. 

GRAIN   HANDLERS'  UNION,  No.  7445 

Membership    fanuary    1,   1903—32. 

1  'resident — Timothy   Malotiev. 
Secretary — M.  C.  Mel  high. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor   Union — 

1903-    M.    I.    Mclfugh.    fames    Sweeney.    Myles    Sweeney.    John    Woods 

and    |ohn   Kennedy. 
190-1 —  John    Finn,    lames  Sweeney.   M.  J.   Mel  high.   Myles   Sweeney  and 

Patrick    McCarthy.      Secretary.    M.    I.    Mclfugh. 
1905 — Myles   Sweenev,    I.    Sullivan,    lames   Sweenev.    Patrick    McCarthy 
and    f.  McCarthy.      Secretarv.  M.   Sweenev. 


10i>  Central  Labor  Union  History 


lDiMi — James  Sweeney,  Mylcs  Sweeney,  William  Cripps,  M.  Bowker 
and   P.   McCarthy.      Secretary.   M.   J.   Whelan. 

1907—  J.  Sweeney.  T.  McCarthy,  M.  J.  Whelan.  J.  Maloney  and  J.  Finn. 
Secretary.   M.  J.   Whelan. 

19d,s — p.  J  Kennedy.  E.  J.  Murphy,  P.  Kane,  M.  Sweeney  and  J.  J. 
Sullivan.     President.  J.  McCarthy;  secretary,  J.  Moriarty. 

1909 — P.  J.  McCarthy,  civics  Sweeney,  Jeremiah  Sullivan,  Timothy 
Hourihan.  John  Woods  and  J.  McCarthy.  President.  P.  Mc- 
Carthy; secretary,  M.  Conway. 

lnio— J.  McCarthy,  G.  Barnes,  M.  Callaghan,  E.  McXamara  and  A. 
Cricer.     President,  P.   McCarthy;   secretarv.    fere  McCarthy. 


HARNESS  MAKERS'  UNION,  No.  160 

First  record  appears  in  1907. 

Secretarv — Joseph  Mercier,  Jr.,  of  Holyoke. 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1007 — John  Moriarty.  J.  R.  Sears.  C.  J.  Hunter  and  A.  E.  Carter. 

1908— G.   B.  Avery,' C  J-   Hunter.  J.  R.   Sears.   T.   E.  Moriarty  and  E 
Regnier.     President.  F.  H.   St.  Jean;   secretary.  G.   B.  Avery. 

1909— Xo  record. 

1910 — Xo  record. 


HORSESHOERS'  UNION,  No.  16 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — loo. 

Secretary — D.  J.  Xolan. 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — Jerry  Sullivan.  D.  J.  Xolan.  Michael  Harrigan,  Thomas  Malonev 

and  John  Grace. 
1904— J.  Moriarty.  D.  J.  Xolan.  Patrick  Hurley,  A.  O'Xeil  and  Thomas 

Connors-      Secretarv.   D.    T.   Xolan. 
1905 — -\.   O'Xeil.   Patrick    Hurley.   James   Moriarty.   J.    F.    Sullivan   and 

Joseph   Kennedy.      Secretarv.   T.    Berry. 
1000— C.    A.    Dickerman,    J.    Williams,    T.    Connors.    J.    J.    Grace    and 

I).  J.  Long.      Secretary,  J.   F.   Sullivan. 
1907  —  j.  Grace.  D.  Garvey.  E.  Giroux,  James  Moriarty  and  R.  Mahonev. 

Secretary.  J.  F.  Sullivan. 
19o> — J.    F.    Kernan,    Maurice    Lynch.    Wilbur    Chamberlain,    Thomas 

Connor   and   D.   Long.      President.   Patrick    Hurley;    secretary,    [. 

F.  Sullivan. 
19U9 — Xo   record. 
11(10—  M.    Lynch.   G.    McDonald,   J.    Kehoe.   J.   Grace  and   M.   McBerry. 

President,  G.  McDonald:  secretarv.  T.   L    Donovan. 
1911— G.  IS.  McDonald.  J.  F.  Kerr.  P.  Hurley."}.  Burke  and  J.  William,. 

President.   G.    B.   McDonald:   secretarv,    1.    F.    Kerr. 
V.n-2— J.   Moriarty.    X.    Viero.  J.    1;.    Kerr.   f.    H.   Mack  and   G.   P..  Mc- 
Donald.    President,  G.    15.  McDonald:   secretarv,    I.   F.   Kerr. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  163 


IRON  MOLDERS'  UNION,  No.   167 

Membership  January    1,    1903—100. 
President — I  lugh  Monaghan. 

Secretary — P.   Persson. 

Delegates  to  Central   Labor   Union — 

11)03 — I'.   Persson,  J.  M.   Hannon,.  M.  Maloney,   P.  J.   Keating  and  Mr. 

Deshaw. 
1904 — F.   C.    Deshaw.   who  was   secretary,   the  only   delegate   seated. 
1905 — J.   P.  O'Connell,   E.  Comer.  J.  J.    Bannon.   Fred    Burso  and  C.  A. 

Gregor.      Secretary,    J.    P.    O'Connell. 
190(1— J.  P.  O'Connell,  T.  Lynch.  M.  Maloney.  J.   Daily,  A.  A.   Huffield 

and    1.   Burke.     Secretary.  Thomas   Lynch. 
1907 — P.   J.    Keating.    M.    Maloney.   J.   J.    Fennessey.   T.   J.    Corliss   and 

Carl    Blackberg.     Secretary,  J.    f.   Fennessey. 
190S— P.  J.   Pendergast,  M.   Redely.  C.  Blackberg,  T.  Corliss.  P.   Russell 

and    Philip    Connolly.      President.    A.    A.    Huffield;    secretary.    S. 

Cote. 
19(H)— M.   Maloney,   11.   Rogers,   ('.    Blackberg.   P.  Connelly  and  Thomas 

McCarthy.      President.    P.    J.    Connolly;    secretary,    Samuel    Cote. 
li)l() — J.    Bannon.    Vincent    Burke,   J.   Callaghan,    W.    Sullivan   and   M. 

Costello.      \"incent    Burke,   as   president,    was    succeeded   bv    I.   C. 

Callaghan.  Mr.  Burke  taking  secretarial  dtities  from  F.  O'Donnell. 
1911  —  Vincent     Burke,     I.    J.    Bannon,    F.    Cormier.    I.    C.    Callahan,     1. 

Corliss    and    T.    McCarthy.     Corliss    withdrew    and    R.    Godfrey 

was   seated.      President,  J.   C.   Callahan;   secretary,    II.   Carrigan. 
1912 — Vincent    Burke,  J.   Daly,  T.  McCarthy.   H.  Carrigan  and  M.  God- 
frey.     President,    R.    Godfrey;    secretary,    11.    Carrigan. 

IRON  WORKERS,  No.   18   (ARCHITECTURAL) 

Membership  January    1,   11103 — 10. 
President — \V.  F.  Fogg. 
Secretary — J.  A.  Woelfel. 
Delegates  to  (  entral    Labor   Union — 

190:]— M.    \\    Haskins.    I).    I.   Mur])hy,    I.   A.   Sullivan.   \\*.    F.    Fogg  and 
1.   A.    Woelfel. 

1904— Xo    record. 

llto.-i—  Xo   record. 

IRON  WORKERS,  No.   16   (STRUCTURAL) 

Membership  January    1,    11)03— 100. 
I  'resident  —  1 1 o ward   Rogers. 
Secretary — Patrick  ( larvev. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor   Union — 

I'.h::; — |.    |.    Harrington,    I.    Beaudrv.   W   Cavanaugh.    P.    I.   Garvev  and 
A.   ITenson. 

1904— Xo  record. 

190.") — Xo   record. 

10OC— Xo   record. 


1»»4  Central  Labor  U.mox  History 


LATHERS'  UNION,  No.  25 

Membership  January  1.  1003—1(1. 

1 'resident — John  Morgan. 

Secretary — J.  F.  Hope. 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1003 — Joseph   Messier.   P.    Beauregard,  J.   Morgan,  J.    Dion   and  Julian 

Lafleur. 
190-1 — John   McXeill.  J.   Messier,   J.   Morgan,    Benjamin    Beaudeau   and 

Joseph  Hope.     Secretary,  J.  McXeill. 
1905— T.    Lafleur.    J.    McXeill.'  J."   Hope.    J.    Morgan    and    \Y.    Feeney. 

Secretary.  J.  McXeill. 
1906 — J.   Sheehan,   \Y.   Russell.   T.   Provencher,   James   McCann   and  J. 

Lafleur.     Secretary.  J.   Gorman. 
1907 — A.    Morehouse.    R.    Jarvis,    J.    Morgan.    James    Simpson    and    W. 

Ferry.     Secretary.  James  McCann. 
190S — \Y.  Ferrv.  R.  Jarvis.  H.  Provencher.  A.  A.  Roberts  and  T.  Morgan. 

President.  John  B.  Morgan:  secretary.  J.  Hope. 
1909 — J.    Sheehan.    \V.    Ferry.    Peter   Wilson,    F.    E.    Morehouse   and   J. 

McCaunt.     President.  J.  B.   Morgan  ;   secretary.  J.   Plope. 
1910— P.    Wilson,    J.    Sheehan.    J.    McCaunt.    William'   Ferry    and     F 

Demary.     President,  F.  Demary :  secretary.  P.  Wilson. 
1911 — James    McCann.    J.    Sheehan.    C    Lynch.   J.    Harmon    and   A.    H. 

Hunt.     President,  J.   1!.   Morgan:   secretary,  J.   Hope. 
1912 — L.    Moquin.    T.    Leary.   J.    Sheehan,   James    Sheehan   and   James 

McCann.     I 'resident.  :   secretary.  J.  Hope. 

LADIES'  GARMENT  TAILORS 

Delegates   to   Central   Labor   Union — 

1911 — I.    Silverman    and   Reamkow.     President.    J.    Silverman: 

secretary,   II.  Schaffer. 
1912— Xo  delegates. 

LOOMFIXERS,  No.  61   (CHICOPEE  FALLS) 

President — P.  Mahar. 
Secretary — A.  Maney. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

19(13— P.  Mahar.  A.  Maney.  J.   L  Hurst.   P.  Hout  and  X.   Labelle. 

1904 — Xo  record. 

1905— Xo   record. 

LOOMFIXERS'  UNION.  No.   17   (CHICOPEE) 

Membership  January  1.  1903—50. 
I  'resident — Samuel  Mc(  'auley. 
Secretary — A.  Malloy. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903 — A.  MeCaulev.  C.   Sawver.   P.   Dion.   T.  Kianott   and  A.   Mallow 


Central   Labor  Uxiox    History  105 


190J — S.   Malloy,   Thomas   Keegan,   Charles   Sawyer,   Tony    Venik   and 

A.  McCauley.     Secretary,  S.  McCauley. 
1005 — A.    McCauley,   C.    Sawyer.   Jacob   Welch,   William   Linnehan   and 

Tony   Venik.     Secretary,   W.  Bradley. 
I'M  it;—  Withdrew. 

LITHOGRAPHERS'  UNION,  No.  21 

First  sent  delegates  to  the  Central   Labor   Union  in   1907. 
Secretary — Frank   E.  Scullane. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor   Union — 

1907— F.   K.   Scullane,  M.  J.  Madden,  A.   A.   Schultz,  J.   Mulloney  and 
William  Strang. 

1008 — Xo  record. 

1909— Xo  record. 

MEAT   CUTTERS   AND   BUTCHERS    (AMALGAMATED 

WORKMEN) 

.Membership  January    1.   1903 — 50. 
1  'resident — M.   Kominsky. 
Secretary — J.  B.  Shea. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

100:5 — W.   Yosley,  J.   B.   Shea,   IL  Amberg.  J.   Roos  and  M.   Kominsky. 

1:mi4 — Fritz   Legleman,  F.    F.   Yogel,   E.    Dcitrich.  John   Rcos  and  J.    P.. 
Shea.      Secretary,  J.   B.   Shea. 

10O5— Xo   record. 

I'M  If, — Xo   record. 

MACHINISTS',  No.  457  (HIGHLAND  LODGE,  CHICOPEE) 

Membership    [anuarv   1.   1903 — 50. 

Secretary — A.  A.   Fredette. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1003— J.  C.  Hosmer  and  F.  L  Garrity. 

I'.hiJ — Samuel   Hall  and  John  C'.  Bennett.      Secretary.  Samuel  Hall. 
10O5— J.  C.   Bennett,  A.  II.   Fuller,  A.  A.   Fredette.  S.   F.   Hall  and   F.   L. 
Garrity.      Secretary.  S.  F.  Hall,  later  succeeded  by  A.  A.  Fredette. 
11)0(1 — J.   C.    Bennett.   James    Oaks,    A.    II.    Fuller   and    Felix    Labreque. 

Secretary.  S.   F.   1  [all. 
1007  —  Xo   record. 

MACHINISTS'  UNION,  No.  214 

Delegates  to  Central    Labor   Union — 

1!M>7— C.    L.    Marsh.    W.    II.    Allen,    C.    A.    Macready.   J.    L.    Poland   and 

M.    II.    Lander-.      Secretary.    IP   A.    Fisher. 
10OS— Xo   record. 
I'.mi'.i—  Xo  record. 


ll>0  Central   Labor  Uxiox   History 

MACHINISTS'  UNION,  No.  700 

1907 — lames    I.  Crowe.   I'.   ].  Phelan  and  Charles  M.  Gour.     Secretary, 

P.  J.  Phelan. 
190S— Xo  record. 
President — Fred  E.  Rice. 
Secretary — P.  J.    Phelan. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1909— Cornelius  O'Shea,   F.  E.  Rice.  P.  J.  Phelan.  A.  G.  Chapman  and 

C.  M.  Gour. 
1910— M.  J.  Ennis,  F.  E.  Rice.  C.  M.  Gour.  A.  G.  Chapman  and  P.  J. 

Phelan.     President.  F.  E.  Rice:  secretary.  P.  J.  Phelan. 
1911— J.  Sheridan.  F.  E.  Rice.  M.  J.  Ennis.  C.  M.  Gour  and  P.  J.  Phelon. 

President.    F.    E.   Rice;   secretary.    P.    ].   Phelon. 
1912— J.  Sheridan.  F.  E.  Rice.  M.  J.  Ennis.  C.  M.  Gour  and  P.  J.  Phelon. 
Secretary.   P.   J.   Phelon. 

MACHINISTS'   UNION,   No.   589— BAY    STATE   LODGE 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — 150. 
President — J.  C.  Bennett. 
Secretary — F.  J.  Sawyer. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— A.  E.  Elmer.  G.  Xve.  J.  C.  Bennett.  C.  S.  Reed  and   [.  \V.  Firbv. 

1904— C.   S.   Reed.  J.   C.    Bennett.  A.   E.  Elmer.  J.   \V.   Firby  and   F.   J. 
Sawyer.      Secretary.   F.   J.    Sawyer. 

1905— M.   Landers.  J.   E.   Johnson.   \Y.   H.   Hoffman   and  J.  J.   O'Hare. 
Secretary.  J.  E.  Johnson. 

1906— Xo  record. 

1907 — Xo  record. 

MAILERS'  UNION,  No.  23 

President — James  J.  Hanley. 
Secretary — D.  A.  Haggerty. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— J.  J.   Hanley.  \V.  J.  Malone.  J.   B.   Giblin.  M.   F.   Shea  and  R.  J. 
Bannon. 

1904 — Xo  record. 

1905— Xo  record. 

1900 — Xo  record. 

METAL  POLISHERS'  UNION,  No.  30 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — 50. 

President — 

Secretary — M.  J.  Clancy. 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— T.    P.    Ilogan.   M.   J.   Markley.   J.   Pureed.   J.   Traynor  and   C.   D. 
Lane. 


Central   Labor  Union   History  lfiT 


1904 — C.  G.  Hart.  T.  J.   Beattie,  C.   D.  Lane.  Dennis  Shea,  Fred  Rivers 

and   E.   Ryan.     Secretary.  M.  J.  Clancy. 
1905— W.   Blake'  C.  G.   Hart.  M.  J.  Clancy.  J.  J.  Mullaney  and  Charles 

Parmelee.     Secretary.  M.  J.  Clancy. 
1900— C.   Parmelee,  C.  D.  Lane,  R.  Carroll.  \Y.   Blake  and  M.   L.   Hall. 

Secretary.  C.  I).   Lane. 
1!K)7_C.  Parmelee,  S.  M.  P.erard.  P.  J.  Sullivan.  E.  \V.  Steitz  and  M.  L 

Hall.      Secretary,  E.  \Y.  Steitz. 
190S — V.   Lizotte.  H.  Morrissey,  S.  M.   Berard,  C.   1).  Lane  and  C.   W. 

Parmelee.      President,   C.   XV.    Parmelee:   .secretary,   E.    W.    Steitz. 
1909— \'.    Lizotte,   S.   M.    Berard,   G.    I.    Kingsbury,    R.  J.   Sullivan   and 

Charles  Parmelee.      President.  V.  Lizotte;  secretary.  C.  Parmelee. 
1D10— Y.  Lizotte.  C.  O'Xeil,  S.  M.  P.erard,  J.  Hanley  and  P.  J.  Sullivan. 

President,   Y.   Lizotte:   secretarv,  Charles   Parmelee. 
1911— M.  J.  Murphy.   H.   St.   Cyr,   W~.   Kelly,   S.   H.   Berard  and   M.    E. 

Fitzpatrick.      President.  :  secretary.  William   S.  Cyr. 

101^ — j.  Daly.  M.  Markley.  S.  M.  Berard,  P.  J.  Sullivan  and  F.  Whittam. 

President.    M.    Alarkley:    secretary,    William    St.   Cyr. 

METAL  MECHANICS,  No.   101   (CHICOPEE  FALLS) 

Membership  January  1.  19015 — 50. 

President — F.  M.  Sawin. 

Secretaries — M.   L   Dillon  and  J.  T.   Humberton. 

Delegates  to  Central    Lahor   Union — 

1!K>:5 — F.  M.  Sawin.  J.  Conley,   F.   Bowen,  M.    Dillon  and  C.   Forant. 

190  1 — Withdrawn. 

METAL  POLISHERS'  UNION,  No.  27 

Membership  January   1.   190:5 — 50. 
President — J.  Moran. 
Secretarv — Part    E.  Moriarty. 
Delegates  to  Central   Lahor   Union — 

190:5 — 1 ).   Houlihan  and   P.  D  Moriarty. 

190-1 — Xo    record.      Probably   merged    with    Metal    Polishers.    Xo.    :>o, 

METAL  MECHANICS,  No.  80   (ARMORERS) 

Membership  January    1.   190:5 — 100. 

President  —  (  >tto   Ewig. 

Secretaries — G.   R.  Goring.   I;red  L.  Cooley  and  J.  T.   Dumberton. 

Delegate^   to   Central    Lahor   Union  — 

190:5 — ]•".   II.    Pearson,   (  i.    R.  Goring.    L.   M.    Lovering.   Frving  Xve  and 
P.    P.   Lynch. 

1904—  C.  P.  Riley.  L.  11.  Pearson.  P.  Scanlon.  J.  J.  Dady  and  P.  R.  Page. 
Secretarv.    |.  T.   1 1  umberti »n. 

1905 — Xo   record. 

100li_Xo   record. 


1»'>S  Central   Labor  Union   History 


MINISTERS'  ASSOCIATION 


Fraternal  delegate — 

1910— Rev.  Dr.  F.  \Y.  Merrick. 
T.i  11  —  Rev.  Dr.  F.  \Y.  Merrick. 
1912— Rev.   Dr.    F.   W.   Merrick. 


MOVING  PICTURE  OPERATORS,  No.   186 

First  delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union  in  1910. 

President— H.  B.  Schock. 

Secretary—C.  F.  Hill. 

Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1910— F.  E.  Blanchard.  G.  F.  Hill  and  H.   B.   Schock. 

1911— F.  Fennessey,  J.  A.  Gattel.  A.  Willis.  E.  Wilbur.  \Y.   H.   Ritchie 

and  H.   lb   Schock.     Secretary,  ( ",.   F.   Hill. 
1912— G.  F.  Hill.  H.   lb   Schock.  \\\  Clark  and  \V.   H.   Ritchie.      Presi- 
dent.  H.   B.   Schock:   secretarv.  G.   F.   Hill. 


MUSICIANS'  UNION,  No.  171 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — 360. 
President — \Y.  F.  Stebbins. 
Secretary — F.  L.  Seaver. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — A.  Pero.  H.  Dyson.  E.  \Y.  Burnett.  Thomas  Carr.  Sr..  and  T.   1!. 

Carroll. 
1904— P.   J.   Healy.   C.    \\".    Rate-.    C.    A.    Salsman    and    T.    B.    Carroll. 

Secretary.  A.  J.  Jacobs. 
1905— H.   E.  Gibbs.  S.  J.  Heffner  and  T.   lb  Carroll.      Secretary.   E.    11. 

Lyman. 
T.)0fi — E.  A.  Woodward  and  T.   lb  Carroll. 
19i>7 — T.  B.  Carroll.   E.  J.  Sheehan  and  F.  Otto. 
inns — T.    lb    Carroll.      Xo    other    delegate    recorded.      Secretary.    G.    lb 

Pearson. 
T.Mill — C.  lb  Spencer.  T.  B.  Carroll.  J.  II.  \'an  de  Water  and  A.   Premo. 

Secretarv.   Herbert   Shumwav. 
lltlO— W.    F.   Stebbins.  C.   L.    Hoyt".  Charles   S.   O'Regan,  T.   P..   Carr.. 11 

and   C    F.    Pearson.     President.   ( i.   F.    Pearson;   secretary.   C.    S. 

(  )'Regan. 
T.M1— W.   lb  Stebbins.  H.  A.  Shumway.  T.    lb  Carroll  and   F.   W.  Otto. 

President,   F.    \\".    Otto;    secretary,    11.     \.    Shumwav. 
11H2— F.   \Y.  Otto.  T.   lb  Carroll.   II.  A.   Shumwav.   W.   F.   Stebbins  and 

b.    P..    Woodworth.      President,     lb    W.    Otto;    secretarv,     11.    A. 

Shumwav. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  169 


NAPPERS'  UNION,  No.  336   (CHICOPEE  FALLS) 

Membership  January  1,  1903 — 25. 
I 'resident — XV.  Hines. 
Secretary — J.  F.  Murphy. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

lIMi:;— J.   F.  Murphy,   P.  Madden,  M.   Devine.  D.  Leary  and  \V.  Hines. 

1901 — P.  Madden,  j.  F.  Murphy,  M.  Devine,  \Y.  Hines  and  M.  Sullivan. 
Secretary,  J.  F.  Murphy. 

1905 — Withdrew  from  Central  body  February  5,  1905. 

PAPER  MAKERS'  UNION,  No.  14 

Membership  January  1,  1903—350. 
1 'resident — II.  A.  Goodman. 
Secretary — J.  D.  Xaylor. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

11)03— H.   Wells.  J.   Pillsbury,   William   Savin,  James   Donald  and  John 
Rapple. 

1904 — Suspended. 

1905 — Xo  record. 

19(H) — Xo   record. 

PAINTERS'  UNION,  No.  299   (CHICOPEE) 

Membership    January   1,    1903 — 50. 
I 'resident — Thomas  II.  Brady. 
Secretary — .Charles  A.  Parker. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor   Union — 

11103 — Thomas  II.  Brady,  P.  M.  Larleur,  A.  Founder,  A.  T.  Snyder  and 

C.  A.   Parker. 
1904 — C.  ( ).   Rogers.   X.   Parsons,  A.   Gagnon,  A.  T.   Snyder  and  A.  E. 

Messier.      Secretary,   C.    A.    Parker. 
19or» — Withdrew    from   Central   body  to  join   Chicopee. 

PAINTERS'  UNION,  No.  257 

Membership  January  1.  1903—250. 
President — B.  J.  Finn. 
Secretary — M.  M.  Cunningham. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

190.".— M.    J.    I'.agley,    M.    M.    Cunningham.    1'..    J.    Finn.    W.    11.    Grady, 

George  Payne. Douglas,   I!.  A.   Beker  and  F.  Ik  Dow. 

1904—11.    W.    Fvarts.    W.    il.    Grady.    I'..    J.    Finn.    George    Payne    and 

( ieorge    fameson.      Secretary,    M.   M.   Cunningham. 
11)05 — (ieorge    A.    Payne,    II.    Aiken,    II.    W.    Fvarts.    M.    Skehan    and 

W.    11.   Gradv.      Secretary,   (ieorge   A.   Payne. 
11)00 — (',.   A.   Payne.   W.    II.   Gradv.    I.    Xicholson,   Thomas  Costello  and 

II.    K.    Woods.      Secretary."  F."    Ik    Dow. 
1907 — W.     II.     Gradv     (elected     president     Central     Labor    Union).     IT. 


170  Central    Labor   L'xiox    History 


1907— W.    H.    Griffith.    C.    I).    Blakeslee   and   G.    W.    Clark.     Secretary, 

W.  ii.  Griffith. 
190>— G.  \Y.  Clark.  G.  F.  Losee.  Howard  Mendon.  C.  1).   Blakeslee  and 

Frank  Rickel.      President.  E.  S.  Dillawav;  secretary.  <  i.  W.  ('lark. 
19<>9— G.  W.  Clark.  C.  I).  Blakeslee.  W.  II.  Allen.  F.  Bic'kel  and  George 

F.    Losee.      President.    I  Inward   Mendon ;   secretary,  G.    \\  .   ('lark. 
1910 — \n  record. 
l'.Ml  —  \\".    II.    Allen.    M.    Gleaman.    H.    Volz.    F.    R.    Linke    and    II.    G. 

Mendon.      President.    H.    G.    Mendon:    secretary.    \Y.    11.    Allen. 
1912 — C.  Mason.  J.  Campbell.  \\".   P.   Dijon.  C.   I).   Blakeslee  and   II.  T. 

Mendon.     President.   II.  A.   Yolz :  secretary.   H.  T.  Mendon. 

PLUMBERS'  UNION.  No.  89 

Membership  January  1.  190.3 — 100. 
President — George   Bath. 

Secretaries — T.  G.   Sulliyan  and  J.  P.  Walls. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — YY.  II.  Porter.  J.  Coughlin,  I).  Colby.  Joseph  Smith.  J.  Fitzpatrick, 

Edward  S.  Hanks  and  <  ).  A.  Mcintosh. 
1904 — T.  G.  Sullivan.  J.  Smith.  O.  A.  Mcintosh.  C.  O'Brien.  J.  Ouimette 

and    Eugene   Sullivan.     Secretary.    |.   P.   Walls. 
1905— R.  J.   Fitzgerald.  W.    Henry.   Patrick   Shea.  J.   P.   Walls.  J.   Fitz- 
patrick and  ().  A.  Mcintosh.     Secretary,  C.   I.  O'Brien,  who  was 

succeeded  later  by  C.  F.  Burke. 
190(3— E.   L.   Hanks.   W.    Henry.   M.   J.    Scanlon.    D.   J.   Harrington   and 

V.   T.   Graham.      Secretary.    P.   J.    Shea. 
1907 — W.  Hutchings.  J.  Drinan.  1).  Colby.  J.  Ouimette  and  P.  J.   Shea. 

The  latter  was  secretary. 
190S — D.  McCarthy.  J.  Ouimette.  J.   Scanlon.   F.  Parkin  and   D.   Colby. 

President.    I).   Colby:   secretary.    D.    P..   McCarthy. 
1909_D.    E.    McCarthy.    W.    Brise.    C.    Conway.    F.    Michelitz    and    J. 

Beauchemin.     President.  W.  J.  Brise;  secretary,  D.  F.  McCarthy. 
1910— L.  A.  (hidden.  D.  Colby.  II.  Munsell.  C.  Merchant  and  J.  Scanlon. 

Munsell   and   Merchant   withdrew.    D.    E.   McCarthy   being  seated 

in  December.     President,  J.  Beauchemin;  secretary,  E.  P.  Demars. 
1911— I).  F.  McCarthy.  M.  Gettman.  M.  J.  Scanlon.  J.  Beauchemin  and 

F.   Conway.     President.   A.   Gettman:    secretary.   J.    Beauchemin. 
1912 — L.    (hidden.    T.    Hourihan.    C.    Conway.    A.    Gettman    and    D.    E. 

McCarthy.      President.    D.    Colby:    secretary,  J.    beauchemin. 

PRESSMENS'  UNION 

Membership  January   1.   190.'! — l'.~>. 
President— F.   H.  Cooke. 
Secretary — F.  J.  Casey. 
Delegate-  to  Central  Labor  Union  — 

19o:j — Thomas  Condon.   E.  J.  Casey.  C.  J.  Morrissey.  J.  J.  McCormack 
and  F.  A.  Goddard. 


Central  Labor  Union   History  171 


Aiken.  T.  II.  Bradv,  XV.  A.  Baker  and  [.  Hawthorn.  Secretary, 
M.   F.   Skehan. 

1908— J.  Hawthorn.  \Y.  H.  ( irady.  I!.  J.  Finn.  II.  K.  Wood  and  J.  H. 
Sinclair.  Hawthorn.  Finn  and  Sinclair  withdrew,  loseph  Xichol- 
son,  Lawrence  Fortier  and  <  i.  Payne  being  seated  in  their  stead. 
President.  T.   II.    Brady;   secretary.  M.   F.   Skehan. 

1909— W.  H.  (irady.  II.  K.  Woods.  S.  Fortier.  G.  A.  Payne  and  M.  J. 
Rowland.  President,  M.  J.  Rowland;  secretary,  M.  F.  Skehan. 
who   was   succeeded  by  J.    Bigelow. 

1010 —  P.  H.  Triggs,  G.  A.  Payne.  J.  Xicholson.  P.  Fortier  and  J.  Flint- 
ham;  the  last  three  were  succeeded  by  W.  II.  (irady,  F.  P.  Dow 
and  E.  B.  Hilton.  Mr.  Hilton  giving  way  later  to  Rupert  Werner. 
President.    II.    K.    Wood;    secretary,    I.    P.    Bigelow. 

1011— P.  II.  Triggs.  T.  II.  Brady,  F.  B.'Dow,  G.  A.  Payne  and  \\".  IP 
Gradv.      President,   W.    II.  (irady;   secretary.    \.   P.    Bigelow. 

1012— G.  A'.  Payne.  W.  IP  (irady.  F.  B.  Dow.  P.'  I  i  Triggs' and  M.  J. 
Rowland.      President,    F.   E.   Lonergan :   secretary,    1.    P.    Bigelow. 

PROMPTERS'  UNION 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — 50. 
President  —  E.   F.  Connolly. 
Secretary — ( i.   V.    Lovely. 
Delegates  to   Central    Labor   Union — 

1003 — E.  <  i.    Norton,    II.    Bromage,    E.    F.   Connolly.    Pen   Chadwick  and 

Charles  Schilling. 
19U4  —  Pen   Chadwick.   A.    |.   Graconia.   (  i.    Ledeaux.    W.   M.    Burns   and 

E.    F.   Connolly.      Secretary.   G.    V.    Lovely. 
10O.-)— X.  J.  Comfort.  W.  M.    Burns.   I-;.    F.  Connolly.   R.  M.   Xeidel  and 

j.    I).   Kelly.      Secretary.  (  i.   V.   Lovely. 
19O0—  E.    F.   Connolly.   O.   W.    [  lager,   J.    I).    Kelly.   A.  J.   Graconia   and 

W.  W.   Bemis.      Secretary.  (  i.  \".  Lovely. 
1907— E.  S.   Root.  J.   I).   Kelly.   F.  J.  Sullivan.   I  ).    Harrington  and   E.   F. 

Connolly.      Secretary.  (  i.   V.   Lovely. 
10OS — Xo   record. 
1909 — Xo   record. 
191<>—  Xo  record. 
19]  1— Xo   delegate-. 
1912— C.  Schilling.  W.  G.  Ryan.  G.  Ledoux.  E.  ('.  Brown  and  T.  Welch. 

President.   W.  G.    Ryan:   secretary.    E.    F.   Connolly. 

PHOTO-ENGRAVERS"  UNION.   No.   33 

Combined  with   Hartford    Local  up  to    1904. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor  Union — 

1904 — George   W.   (lark.      Secretary.   W.    II.   Griffith   of    Hartford. 
19(>.">— A.    Babbidge.   A.    Kolbner  and   W.    II.   Griffth.      Secretary.   W.    11. 

( iriffith. 
l!Mli;— G.    |).    Blakeslee.    W.    I),    (iriffith.    W.    P.    Vansicklin    and    A.    L. 
BabbiiDe.      Secretaiw.    W.    [  I.   I  iriffith. 


172  Central  Labor  Union   History 


1904 — J.  J.   Roach,    II.   Springer  and  C.   C.   Loughlin.     Secretary.   E.   J. 

Casey. 
1905 — A.    Benoit,  C.   Morrissey  and  J.   Dolan.     Secretary,   E.  J.  Casey. 
19U0 — Xo  delegates  recorded. 
1907 — Xo   delegates   recorded. 
1908— J.  P.  Dolan.  James  Frye,  J.  McCall.  M.  Randell  and  J.  Linnehan. 

Secretary,  J.  F.  Dolan. 
1909 — Xo  delegates   sent. 
1910 — W.  T.  Casey.  J.  I).  Barrett,  \Y.  King.  J.  Le  Roy   Provost  and  G. 

Wade.     President.  J.  G.  Provost  ;  secretary.  J.  D.  Barrett.     These 

officers  were  succeeded  by  J.  A.  McCall   as  president  and  A.    F. 

Benoit  as  secretary. 
1911  —  Xo  delegates  on  records. 
1912— H.    F.   Margerie,   F.   C.   Murphy  and    F.   Cook.      Secretary.   A.    F. 

Benoit. 

QUARRYMEN'S  UNION,  No.  9606 

(Number  changed  to  30  in  1900.) 
Membership  January  1.  1903—104. 
President— T.  ( )'Donnell. 
Secretary — F.  A.  Knudson. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— J.    \Y.    Roberts.    S.    J.    Cormier.    F.    A.    Knudson.    \Y.    Bailey.    T. 

O'Donnell  and  M.  McGuill. 
1904 — C.  Jackson.  M.  McGuill.  R.  Dobson,  A.  Oleson  and  R.   Solomon. 

Secretary.   T.    \V.    S])eight. 
1905 — R.     Solomon.    C.    Asklin    and    C.    Jacobson.       Secretary.     Robert 

Solomon. 
190(1 — \Y.   Richards,  R.   Solomon.  C.   Swanson,  \\".    Bailey  and  J.  Peter- 
son.    Secretary.  YV.  (1.  Richards. 
1907 — W,   Bailey.  (  i.   Redin.  J.  A.  Rydstett  and  Olaf  Jacobson.     Secre- 
tary.  W.  H.  Richards. 
19os — \\'.   Bailey.  George  Redding  and  William   Richards. 
1909 — W.    Bailey.    W.    Richards.    R.    W.    Dobson.   J.    Cavanaugh   and   J. 

Gaudell.     President.   J.    A.   Johnson;    secretary.    W.    Bailey. 
191(1 — A.  Xelson.   E.  Bourgeois.  J.  Johnson.  W.   Bailey  and  R.   Dobson. 

President,   S.    T.   Cormier ;   secretary.    W.   Bailey. 
1911— \Y.  Bailey.  I-:.  A.  Bourgeois.  G.  Xelson.  J.  A.  Johnson  and  R.  W. 

Dobson.      President.    W.    Bailey:   secretary.  J.   Cormier. 
1912 — J.   A.  Johnson,   W.   Bailey,   E.   A.   Bourgeois.  G.   Redding  and  G. 
Xelson.      President.    <  i.    A.    Redding:    secretary.    G.    Xelson. 

SHEET  METAL  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.  27 

Membership   January   1.   1903—100. 
President — A.  A.  Matthews. 
Secretary — E.   F.  McEneany. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

19u:;_ A.   A.   Matthews.  J.   C.  Osborn,   B.  F.   Whelden.  C.   H.   Cypher  and 
C.   F.  McEneanv. 


.Central  Labor  Union  History  173 


1904— E.  F.  McEneany,  J.  F.  O'Brien.  H.  A.  Hanschild.  R.  J.  Spellman 

and  A.  A.  Matthews.     Secretary,  A.  A.  Matthews. 
liXtr, —  R.  J.   Spellman.   C.   \Y.   Pomeroy.   M.    F.   Clark.   A.   A.   Matthews 

and   B.    F.   Whelden.     Secretary,   A.   A.    Matthews. 
1900— A.  A.  Matthews,  C.  E.  Dearden.  M.  F.  Clark.  C.  \V.  Pomeroy  and 

\Y.    F.   Coyer.     Secretary,   A.   A.   Matthews. 
1!M)7— A.   A.   Matthews,   J.    Demars,   M.   Smith.   G.   H.    Williams.  J.    F. 

Higgins  and  Samuel  House.     A.  A.  Matthews  was  secretary. 
1908— C.  F.   Dearden,  J.  V.   McCormick,   S.   House,  J.   F.   Higgins  and 

P.     Geissler.      President.    J.     V.     McCormick;     secretary,     J.     F. 

Higgins. 
1909— S.   House.   E.   C.    Finnegan,   J.    F.   Higgins.   M.   F.   Clark   and    P. 

Ouimette.     President.  J.   F.   Higgins;  secretary.  P.  Ouimette. 
1910 — J.    S.   Donahue.   J.   Thiheau.   G.    Fletcher,   G.   F.    Williams  and  J. 

McCormick.     President.  J.   F.  Higgins;  secretary.  J.  S.  Donohue. 
1911 — J.  McCormick.  J.   F.   Higgins.  L.   Ouimette.   W.   Kingston  and  J. 

S.  Donohue.     President.  C.  E.  Dearden:  secretary.  J.  S.  Donohue. 
1912 — J.    L.    Higgins.    W.    Kingston.    J.    McCormick    and    L.    Ouimette. 

President.   G.   A.   Williams;   secretary.  J.   S.   Donohue. 

SHIRT  WAIST  AND  LAUNDRY  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.  117 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — 150. 
President— D.  J.  O'Brien. 
Secretary — Theresa  A.  Broderick. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — M.   B.  Lamont.  Theresa  A.   Broderick.  M.  Lavery,   D.  J.  O'Brien 

and  T.  O.    Brochu. 
11)04 — [.  Lamothe,  T.  (  ).  Brochu,  D.  J.  O'Brien  and  A.  O'Brien.      Secre- 
tary.   Miss   C.    Vezina. 
1905 — Ann   Flanagan,   Kate  Coakley,   Lucinda   Victor,  Kate   Hnefel  and 
Alice    Chapin.      Secretary.    Lucinda    Victor    of    the    Co-operative 
Laundry. 
1900 — Xo   record. 
1907 — Xo  record. 

STAGE  EMPLOYES,  No.  53 

Membership  January   1.   1903 — 57. 
President — 1).  A.  Haggerty. 
Secretary — J.   L.    Dickinson. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1003— Edward    Hickev,    F.    II.    Morrill.    L.    1-7   Morrill.    D.    A.    Haggerty 

and  17  IT.  Pease. 
1904— August    Miller.    17    Pease.    T.    Moran.    1).    A.    Haggerty    and    L. 

Morrill.      Secretary.  J.    L.    Dickinson, 
llio,-, —  [.',  McCarthy.   17  C.  McCarthy.   I).   Haggerty.   Fugene   Horan  and 

George    17    Hill.     Secretary.  J.   L.    Dickinson. 
Ifioi; — George    17    Hill.    17    II.    Pease.    17    P.    Belmont.    17   McCarthy   and 
L.    17  Morrill.      Secretary,    f.   L.    Dickinson. 


174  Central  Labor  Union   History 


1907—  I).  A.  Haggerty,  1).  L.  Morse.  E.  McCarthy.  F.  Sullivan  and  11. 
Shipley.     Secretary.    J.    L.    Dickinson. 

19(18— D.  A.  Haggcrty.  E.  McCarthy.  E.  J.  Doyle.  F.  C.  Burlingame  and 
(i.  F.  Hill.  President,  D.  A.  Haggerty;  secretary,  J.  L.  Dick- 
inson. 

1009— T.  Casey.  F.  C.  McCarthy.  G.  L.  Calmer.  E.  Horan  and  P.  F. 
Malone.      President.   D.  A.   Haggerty;   secretary.  J.  L.   Dickinson. 

liHO—  D.  A.  Haggerty.  E.  Sheehan,  L.  E.  Morrill.  1-:.  McCarthy  and 
(i.  L.  Palmer.  President,  G.  P.  Palmer:  secretary.  J.  P.  Dick- 
inson. 

1911— L.  P.  Morrill,  E.  Sheehan,  F.  C.  McCarthy.  \Y.  Meldrum  and 
I.   P.    Bresnan.     Secretary.    1.   P.   Dickinson. 

1912— E.  McCarthy.  D.  A.  Haggerty,  \Y.  \Y.  Parker.  A.  Shaw  and  \V. 
'1".    Casey.      President.    I).    Haggerty;    secretary.   J.    P.    Dickinson. 

SLASHER  TENDERS'  UNION,  No.  54   (CHICOPEE) 

Membership  January  1,  1903 — 12. 
President — J.  Miller. 
Secretary — O.  \Y.  McCoy. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — Octave   Balieu.    lerrv    Deady,    R.    Ferguson.   J.   Miller   and   Tony 
Sitka. 

1904 — Xo   delegates    seated.      Secretary.    O.    \Y.    McCoy. 

1005 — Xo  further  record. 

SODA  WATER  WORKERS'  UNION,  No.   11209 

Membership  1903—50. 
President — J.   Purke. 
Secretary — T.  IP  Slattery. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903 — |.  Sears.  T.  H.  Slattery.  Warren  Xewcombe,  J.  Fl.  Jameson  and 
Jule>   St.  John. 

1904 — Suspended. 

1905 — Xo    further   record. 

STEAM  FITTERS'  UNION,  No.  21 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — 50. 
President — J.    Driscoll. 
Secretary — R.  C.  Spencer. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — 1.    Driscoll.    F.    McClean.    P.    I.    McKinnon.   J.   J.   Gubbins   and  J. 

Walch. 
1:1114 — I.  Gubbins,  F.   I..  Fox,   F.  McClean,  Thomas  Morris  and  Thomas 

Cummings.      Secretary.    R.   C.    Spencer. 
1905— T.    I.    Morris.   J.   J.    Dubbins.   ('.    Kennedy.    11.    1.    Milner   ami    F, 
McClean.      Secretary,    [.    I.  Gubbins. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  175 


190t;— F.  McClean,  I).  \Y.  Coughlin.  II.  J.  Milner,  W.  J.  Halley  and 
J.  J.  Gubbins — latter  wa.-  secretary. 

191)7—).  E.  Fitzgerald,  Levi  Bessette,  H.  G.  Milner.  P.  F.  Mansfield 
and  T.   P.  Cummings.     Secretary.  J.  J.  Gubbins. 

l!)(is— F.  McClean.  P.  F.  Mansfield  and  L.  Bresette.  President,  R. 
Milner:   secretary.    1;.    B.    Ramsdell. 

lliuii — 1'.  Mansfield,  |.  Ross,  J.  Martell,  Thomas  Rooney  and  F.  Mc- 
Clean.     President.   \Y.    P.    Burke;   secretary.  R.  J.  Carleton. 

1910 — Xo  record. 

1*>12 — E.  L.  Fox.  F.  Ramsdell,  S.  J.  Mitchell.  L.  S.  Mellen  and  If.  Owens. 
President,   \V.    Daly;   secretary.   \Y.  J.    Lyons. 

STEREOTYPERS  AND  ELECTROTYPERS'  UNION,  No.  44 

Membership  January  1.  190:3 — (',. 

President — 1 1.  J.   Baggs. 

Secretary — F.  J.  Cook. 

Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

l!Hi:j— J.   II.   Adams,   F.  j.   Yiggers,  J.   F.    Byrnes.  J.  T.   Buntin  and  F. 

I.  Look.      (  The  other  member's  name  is  not  given  in  the  records.) 
1:104 — John  King.      Xo  other  delegate  seated.      Secretary.  E.    1.  Cook. 
IJHI.-1—  H.  J.    P.agg.   W.    P.    Barry.   J.    F.    Byrnes.    F.   J.  Cook  "and   P.   A. 

Murphy.      Secretary.    E.    J.    Look,    who    was    succeeded   this    year 

hv    P.   A.   Murphy. 
IJ'MMi— \\\    Kirby,    P.    A."  Murphy,   J.    F.    Byrnes.    11.   J.    P.agg  and    M.   J. 

Horsey.      Secretary.    II.    J.    P.agg. 
L.toT—  M.  J. 'Horsey.    P.  A.   Murphy.   E.  J.  Cook.  11.  J.    Bagg  and  J.   F. 

Byrnes.      Secretary.  A.  Lockwood. 
l<Hls_B.    C.    W'ehh.      Xo    other    delegate    recorded.      President,    \Y.    P. 

Berrv :  secretary,   F.   \iggers. 
1:10:1 — Xo  record. 
1  HI  i» —  Xo  record, 
liill — L.    ( )lsberg  and    T.    rnwood.      President.    R.    Griswold ;    secretary, 

II.  \Y.  Miller. 

l'.ili'—  L.  (  Hsberg  and  T.   Inwood.      Secretary.  J.  L.   McP.rien. 

STREET  RAILROAD  EMPLOYES,  No.  448 

First  delegates  seated  in  Central   Labor   Union  in    liioL 
Secretary — Conor  <  )'Grady. 
Delegates  to  Central    Labor  L'nion — 

liiiir — J.    U'Malley.    W.    L.    Trembley,    J.    Devine.    T.    V.    Conncry    and 

(  oiior  (  )'(  irady. 
l'.iov — I'.  J.   O'Ib-ien.   \\".    I;.    Henley.  J.    Irwin.    I.  J.  (  )'Connor  and   T.    I. 

Ilurley.      Pre.-ident,    P.    I.   (-'d'.rien;   secretary.   Arthur   Wilson. 
l'.ii'ii—  P.    J.    O'Brien.   J.    J.    '('Connor,    I.    J.    Irwin.    I".    II.    Herlihy    and 
William    F.    Ilealew      President.    P.    I.    ()'Brien;    secretary,    A.    E. 
WiLon. 
liiln— P.  J.  O'Brien.  W.  I:.  Healey.  IL  Lawlor.  J.  J.  O'Connor  an<l  E.  H. 
McMorrow.      President.    P.    I.   O'Brien;    secretary.    A.    E.    Wilson. 


l?'(i  Central  Labor  Union   History 

1 1 » 1 1  —  I ' .  J.  O'Brien.  \V.  F.  Healey.  J.  J.  O'Connor.  C.  J.  McMorrow 
and  I*".  I.awk'i'.      President.  P.  J.  (  )'Brien;  secretary,  A.  E.  Wilson. 

1912— William  F.  Healey,  C.  J.  McMorrow,  R.  Lawler,  P.  J.  O'Brien 
and  A.  E.  Wilson.  President.  P.  1.  O'Brien;  secretary.  A.  E. 
Wilson. 

SLATERS'  UNION,  No.  42 

Delegates   to   Central   Labor    Union — 

1911— R.  McCleary.  A.  A.  Tetrault,  A.  W.  Sherman.  J.  W.  Conway  and 

J.    Ryan.      Secretary,   J.   J.   Cain. 
1912— R.   McCleary.   J.   Ryan.   W.   J.    Conway.   A.   Tetrault   and   A.    W. 
Sherman.     President.    A.    II.    Tetrault;    secretary.    R.    McCleary. 

STONE  CUTTERS'  UNION,  No.  1 

Membership  January  1.  1903 — 50. 
President — F.  C.  Kirley. 
Secretary — W.  Keefe. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903— J.  Connolly.  H.  Russell.  J.  Casey.  J.  Babbin  and  F.  C.  Kirley. 
1904 — P  Bush.  W.  E.  Flvnn.   T.  Ingham  and  F.  Carroll.     Secretary.  G. 

Clark. 
1905 — William  Flynn,  James  Ingham,  J.  Connolly,   Edward  Carroll  and 

James   Smyth.     Secretary,  James  Ingham. 
190G — G.    Clark.    Edward    Carroll,    E.    Conway.    James    Smyth    and    W. 

Flynn.     Secretary,  G.  McQuade. 
1907 — W.   Flynn.  J.   O'Brien.   G.   McQuade.  J.   Connolly  and  J.    Smyth. 

Secretary.  G.  McQuade. 
190S — M.  Gordon,  G.  McQuade.  J.  Conley.  William  Flynn  and  J.  Smyth. 

McQuade  and  Flynn  withdrew.  G.  McQuade.  Jr..  and  W.  Wimon- 

berger  being   seated   in   their   stead.     President,    William    Flynn; 

secretary.  G.  McQuade. 
1(10!) — T.   O'Brien.  G.  McQuade.  G.   Clark  and   William    Flynn.     Presi- 
dent.   T.    O'Brien  :    secretary.    G.    McQuade.    succeeded    later    by 

A.    F.   Hastie. 
1910— T.  F.  O'Brien,  J.  Connolly.  J.  Casey,  I).  G.  Hayes,  W.  Flynn  and 

A.   Shackleton.     President.   T.   O'Brien;   secretary.   A.   F.   Hastie. 

succeeded  by   U.  Ogden. 
1911  —  |.  Connolly.  William  Flynn.  G.  McQuade.  A.   Shackleton  and  T. 

O'Brien.     President,   G.   Clark;   secretary.   G.   McQuade. 
1912— G.  McQuade.  W.  Flynn.  W.  G.  Lowe.  T.  (  I'Brien  and  J.  Connolly. 

President.   W.    Flynn;   secretary.   G.   Clark. 

TOBACCO  STRIPPERS'  UNION,  No.  9608 

Member-hip  January  1.  1903—100. 
President — Mrs.  Annie   Brennan. 
Secretary — Mary   E.   Collins. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

19(>3 — Mary  Hronek,  Josie  Rrinker.  Mary  F.  Collins.  Mary  Garvev  and 
Mr-.   Annie  Brennan. 


Central  Labor  Union  History  177 


1904 — Kate  Terry,  Mrs.  Annie  Rrennan,  Mary  Garvey,  Mamie  Coleman 

and  Helen  Crowley.     Secretary,  Mary   E.  Collins. 
1905 — Annie  Skala,  Mary  Garvey,  Xellie  Crowley,  Mamie  Coleman  and 

Mrs.   Brennan.     Secretary.  Mary  E.  Collins. 
190t; — Xo  record. 
1907 — Xo  record. 
190b — Mrs.   Brennan,  M.   Hendrick.  M.  Cormier,   K.   McKenzie  and  M. 

Yincens.     President,  Mrs.   Brennan;  secretary.  Miss  Xora  Grady. 
1909— Mrs.   Brennan,  M.  Hendrick,  M.  Cormier.   K.   McKenzie  and   M. 

Yincens. 
1910— Mrs.    Brennan,    Mrs.    M.    Cormier,    Mrs.    K.    McKenzie.    Miss    M. 

Bly   and    Miss    Annie    Cormick.     President,    Mrs.    K.    McKenzie: 

secretary.   Miss  Grace  McCleary. 
1911 — A.  Yasa.  Mrs.  K.  McKenzie,  Miss  Mary  Garvey  and  Miss  Xettie 

Twenty.     President,  Miss  Xettie  Twenty;  secretary.  Miss  Grace 

McCleary. 
1U1-J — Miss   Mary    Garvey,    Miss    Anna    Yasa.    Miss    Margaret    Teahan, 

Miss    Margaret    lily    and    Mrs.    K.    McKenzie.     President.    Miss 

Garvey;   secretary.   Miss    Xettie   Twenty. 

TENDERS   (BEAMER),  No.  397 

Membership    January  1,  1903 — 100. 
President— T.  M.  Leflue. 
Secretary — M.  K.  Cooney. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

1903 — George   E.  Leil,   Thomas   Donnelly  and   X.   J.    Baker. 

1904 — Suspended. 

19(»r» — Xo  record. 

190(5— Xo  record. 

TAILORS'  UNION,  No.  26 

Membership  January  1,  1903 — (50. 
President — Theodore  1  lagberg. 
Secretary— P.    B.   MeCabe. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

190.", — T.    Graffe.    X.    Christenson.    T.    Hagberk.    August    A.    Xaumann 

and  J.    Kirk. 
190-1 — 1).  Lundquist.  August   A.   Xaumann.  Charles   Hagman,    I.   \'alask 

and    John    Kirk.      Secretary.    1'.    B.   MeCabe. 
190,") — E.    Grohowski,    Carl    Johnson,    (ins    Eager,    Anton    Lindgren    and 

S.   A.    Xelson.      Secretary.    E   Grohowski. 
190(5 — August   A.   Xaumann,   M.    Laviczka.    E.  Morrin,  J.   Delalla  and    1. 

Kirk.      Secretary.    E.    (irohowski. 
1907 — Johan    Kirk.   T.    Lcvine,   J.    Heinon.    Carl    I.udwig   and    A.    Lund- 
quist.     Secretary.   P.    B.    MeCabe. 
190.s — f.   Abbins.   W.   IVmenchcttc.   11.  Shapiro  and  X.   Mageara      Presi- 
dent.   1.   Kirk:   secretary,    E.   Grohowski. 


IT'S  Central  Labor   Union   History 

1!)0!) — G.    Henry.   W.    Iledman.  G.   F.   Anderson  and  M.   Wognacca.     G. 

Bergman    was   seated   without   credentials   at    September   meeting. 

President.   August    Felt;   secretary.    Francis   Grohowski. 
1910— F.    J.    Lynch,    \Y.    Lavitzka,    August    Felt,   J.    Kirk    and   J.    Ricci. 

President.    Otto    Lbscher ;    secretary,    F.   (jrohowski. 
1011— X.    McUuasca.    E.    Lelander.    II.    Forf.  -  -    Ryd.   J.    Kirk   and 

( ).   lbscher.     President,  <  ).  lbscher;  secretary.  F.  (irohowski. 
11(12 — L.    Erickson,    F.    1.    Lynch,    1).    Melonick,    A.    Xaumann    and   M. 

Krentz.     President,  J.   Kirk;   secretary,   L.   Erickson. 

TEXTILE  WORKERS,  No.  354   (CHICOPEE  FALLS) 

Membership  January   1.  11)03 — 532. 

President — J.   Pinkos. 
Secretary — I.   S.  Grabowski. 
Delegates  to  Central  Labor  Union — 

10<»3 — Albert    Beida,    F.    Stasiowski,    I.    S.   Grabowski,   V.   Walczak   and 
J.  Lach. 

1904—  Suspended. 

19<>5 — Xo  record. 

190(5 — Xo  record. 

TEXTILE  WORKERS'  No.  720 

Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

lit  11 — M.    Alinska,    P.    Xovak,    J.    Talenrionski,    Carl    Johnson    and    J. 

Fierlet. 
1912 — A.  Chrzau.  J.  Palz.  J.  Szemeka.  J.  Fierlet  and  J.  G.  Mineszewski. 

President.  J.  G.  Mineszewski;  secretary.  J.  Fierlet. 

TEXTILE    WORKERS,  No.  763 

Delegates  to   Central    Labor   Union — 

1912 — J.   H.   Lavard,   A.   Parent,   E.   Lavoie,   1).   Parent   and   A.    Baron. 
President.   G.    Plummer ;    secretary.  J.    11.    Lavard. 

TEXTILE  WORKERS'  No.  315 

Secretary — \V.    Buba. 

Delegates   to   Central   Labor   Union — 

1903 — 11.    Dembski.    \Y.    Buba,   Joseph    Bryniaeski,   John    Drovd    and    T. 
Zolenski. 

19(»4 — Suspended. 

19(15 — Xo   record. 

piot; — Xo   record. 

TILE  LAYERS,  No.  31 

Delegates   to   Central    Labor    Union — 

1!)12— \Y.   Watson.  J.    Buckley.  \Y.   McXulty,  C.  Joslyn  and  G   I-:.   Mnl- 
lins.      President,    1.    Hutton:  secretary,  G.  Mclntvre. 


Central  Labor  Uxion   History  179 


C.   M.   &  C.  TILE  LAYERS,   No.  31,   OF   HARTFORD 

Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 
1910— J.  L.  Hoyes. 
11)1  1 — Xo  rco.nl. 

TYPOGRAPHICAL  UNION,  No.  216 

Membership  January  1.    1903 — 144. 

President — F.   B.  Cobb. 

Secretaries — A.  \V.   Harrington  and  \Y.  L.   Suydam. 

Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

I'.mi:; — Charles   B.    Porter,    F.   M.    Saltus,    Parker   Worth,   George   Murch 

and  Lewis   E.  Atwater. 
1904 — C.   B.  Porter,  11.  Schleuter,  \\".  Cox.  L.  E.  Atwater,  K.  Campion, 

J.   F.  Wright  and  P.  J.  O'Brien.     Secretary.  W.   L.  Suydam. 
1905— L.  E.  Atwater,  C.  P..  Porter,  J.  F.  Wright,  K.  Campion  and  D.  F. 

Friese.     Secretary,  A.  W.  Harrington. 
1900— Parker   Worth,   W.   W.    Parker,    D.    F.   Lriese.   J.    F.   Wright   and 

George  Murch.     Secretary,  W.  W.    Parker. 
1907— W.  W.  Parker.  C.   P..  Porter.  C.   D.  Dole,  H.  T.  Cooke  and  P.  T. 

Meehan.      Secretary,   W.   W.    Parker. 
190S— C.  P.  Porter.  G.  Murch,  M.  V.   Harris,  W.  W.  Barker  and  IP  T. 

Cooke.      President.  J.   R.  C.   Browning;  secretary,  W.  W.   Parker. 
190!)— W.   W.    Barker,   H.  T.  Cooke.   H.  (7   Long.  C.  B.   Porter  and   E. 

MaGowan.      Messrs.    Long    and    MaGowan    were    substituted    by 

Marshall   G.  Carr  and  J.   Mulroney  about  July.      President,    I.   R. 

C.    Browning;   secretary,   W.    W.    Parker. 
191(1 — C.  P.  Porter.  J.  R.  I".  Browning,  A.  !■'.  Hardwick.  17  H.  Dunham 

and  J.   B.Hennessey.      Mr.   Browning  resigned  and  was  succeeded 

bv    lames   S.   Sherburne.      President,   (  .    B.    Porter;   secretary,   A. 

17  Hardwick. 
11)11  —  C.   P.  Porter.  J.  S.  Sherburne,  11.  T.  Cooke,  A.   17   Hardwick  and 

C.  S.  O'Uegan.      President.  C.   P..   Porter;  secretary.  A.   17   Hard- 
wick. 
11*1  li — C.    P.   Porter.  J.   S.   Sherburne.  C.   S.  (  )'Rcgan.  J.   17   Wright  and 

A.     17     Hardwick.       President,    C.     P.     Porter;    secretary,    A.     17 

I  lard  wick. 

UPHOLSTERERS'  UNION,  No.  50 

Membership  January   1.    llio.", — .">o. 
President  —  P.  A.  Fortin. 
Secretary — W.   A.  J.   Schmelzinger. 
Delegates  to   Central    Labor    L'nion  — 

liMCi— T.    W.   Connelley,   John    Lawless,    M.    Connell.    \7    17    St.    lacques 
and    P.    A.    I7)rtin. 

1904 — Suspended. 

190.". —  Xo   record. 

190(5 — Xo   record. 


IbO  Central   Labor  Union   History 

WASTE  HANDLERS'  UNION,  No.  8964 

Membership  January    1,   1903 — 22. 
i 'resident — J.  Cunningham. 
Secretary — M.  ( .)'  Brien. 
Delegates  to  Central   Labor  Union — 

1903— J.    1).    Cunningham.    P.    Shea.   Patrick   Shea.   M.    Walsh   and    Daniel 
Curran. 
1904 — Xo  delegate  recorded.     Secretary.  M.  O'Brien. 
1905 — Patrick  Shea.  D.  Brennan.  T.  Murphy  and  \Y.  Armstrong.     Secre- 
tary. Patrick  Cullinan. 
1906— P.  B.  Sullivan.  C.  Sullivan,  D.  Kelly  and  James  Walsh. 
1907— M.  O'Brien.  E.  McXamara,  J.  Mann.  M.  O'Brien  and  P.  Dillon. 

Secretary.    E.    McXamara. 
190S— T.  Bastion,  Patrick  Shea   (1)   and  Patrick  Shea   (2).     President, 
E.     Griffin,     later     succeeded     by     Peter     Dillon;     secretary.-     ]. 
Whelan,   Sr. 
1909— Xo  record. 
1910— E.   Maher,   M.   O'Brien    (1).   M.   O'Brien    (2).   P.    Shea   and  C. 

Smith.     President.  Peter  Dillon  ;  secretary,  E.  Maher. 
1912 — Peter  Dillon  and  M.  O'Brien.     President.  Peter  Dillon;  secretary, 
James  O'Xeil. 


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we  trust  the  returns  will  be 
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J.  J.  TANZEY 

1  :,-sse    S>  Stem    1  Me_.           :\:,*\    Main    StlVi  t 

This  is  the  International  Photo-Engravers  Union  Label 


IT  COSTS  NO  MORE,  AND  IS  A 
SURE  MARK  OF    MERIT 


ASK  FOR  IT  ON  YOUR  CUTS 

The    Springfield    Photo  -  Engravers    Union,    No.    57 


When  you  order  your  printing  ask  for 
this  label  on  it. 


It    shows    patronage    of    local    industry 

ami    will    be    appreciated    by    the 

Allied    Printing    Trades. 


International  Alliance 
Bill  Posters  and 
Billers  of  America 


Local  Union,  No.   15 


CARD   TACKING 
WINDOW  BILLING 


Distributing  for  Dances, 
Concerts,  Etc. 


ERWIN  O.   BLAIR 

TELEPHONE    F'  iR 


RINTINU 

"AS    YOU    LIKE    IT" 
293  MAIN  STREET,  SPRINGFIELD 


IT'S  PRIME 

The  Rich,  mellow  and 
appetizing    flavor  of 

HAMPDEN  ALE 

commends  this  beverage  to  the 
many  who  appreciate  the  pleas- 
ure and  satisfaction  to  be  had 
in  drinking  a  prime,  full  bodied, 
old  English  Style  Ale 

SOLD    IN    BOTTLES 
AND  ON  DRAUGHT 

Springfield  Breweries  Co. 

SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 


POLI'S 

SUMMER 


Stock 
Company 

NOW  PLAYING 

Brilliant,  Artistic, 
Great  Plays 


Compliments  of 


E.  F.  CONNOLLY 


04  Dwight   Street 


Tel.    2291 


Springfield,    Mass. 


( 'ompliments  of 

Springfield's    OLDEST    and    LARGEST 
STRICTLY   RETAIL  HOME  FUR- 
NISHING   ESTABLISHMENT. 

The  Hersey  Furniture 
Company 

35-37  West  Worthington  Street 
Myrick    Building,    Springfield 


Small 
Accounts 


Are  gladly  received  at  this  bank,  and 
accommodation,  in  proportion  to  his 
means,  is  cheerfully  extended  to  the 
small   depositor. 

It  is  never  too  early  to  establish  your 
credit  with  a  good  bank. 

THE 
CHAPIN 
NATIONAL 
BANK 


CHARACTER 
LOTHES 

For     .Men    and    Young     Men    Bear    the 
Union   Label 

Harry  Daniel 

277-279    Main    Street 
Springfield,    Mass. 


20   Main   Street 
Northampton,    Mass. 

Carry     a      complete     assortment      at 

Daniel's. 

LOW    PRICES 


QUALITY  SERVICE 


GOOD  PRINTING 

As    You   Want    It 
When  You  Want  It 


T 


OUR  PRINTING 

HE  kind  you    ought    to    use,  and 
when  you  ought  to  have  it,  that  is, 


WHEN  YOU  NEED  IT 

We  have  contracted  the  habit  of  pleasing  our 
customers,  by  giving  them  not  only  GOOD 
WORK,     but    by    giving    it    to    them    on    time. 

If  your  products  are  worth  Publicity,  Daily 
News  Quality  Printing  is  the  kind  you  want. 

Our  business  is  not  confined  to  Springfield, 
but  we  aim  to  give  our  customers,  wherever 
situated,  "WHAT  THEY  WANT, 
WHEN  THEY  WANT  IT" 


Daily  News  Job  Print  and  Bindery 

"  THE  QUALITY  PRESS  " 
Telephone  3360         344  Dwight  Street         Springfield,  Mass. 


Garratt   S .    Barry 

AT  THE  ARCH 

Subway 
Cafe 

GUYOTT  &  CO. 

Springfield               Mass. 

THE  HOUSE   WITH 
AN    ESTABLISHED 
REPUTATION    FOR 
PURE,    STRAIGHT 
LIQUORS      :      :      :     : 

271  Bridge  St.              Phone  546 

Compliments  of 

N.  L.  BYRON 

FUNERAL  DIRECTOR 

Best    Place    in    New    England    To    Eat 

HENKING'S 

LYMAN   ST.        SPRINGFIELD,    MASS. 

JOHN  H.  CLUNE 

INSURANCE 
573  Main  St.,   Springfield,  Mass. 

NEW 
Mansion  House 

510-522  Alain  St.,           Springfield,  Alass. 
P.  B.  &  J.  J.  SULLIVAN 

UNION -MADE  PAPER 

Branny  the  watermark  ol                                        ." 

the    Paper    Makers' 

L  nion,  can   be 

supplied  on                                     ^ 

request.                            ^-^^       >-;-;C^ "  .P-R 

CLASSY  STATIONERY 

Envelopes,  Cards.  Posters 

Circulars,   Program* 

Menus,  Tickets 

:■     ~™-^-^^^                                       Invitations 

■''^,>-_^^\                                    Blanks. 

T  ry                               /^  ^^-^TR*pES|tffi 

]council>~^           >vs                         iiy 

/ /  Ink  Smeared  on  Paper    \\ 

/      /               Is  not  the  kind  of  Printing  you  want  to  pay  for               \     \ 

/•     /                      "  DUBLICITY"  Printing  is  different  from                          V     \ 
/  :  .•  i                              A       others  —  the   arrangement   is   tasty,  the                              \       \ 

/...-:/                               type  is  clear    the  presswork  is  faultless  and                               V.     \ 

— — -f  '.:    I                                the  prices  are  always  reasonable.                                                          ' ' 

'                                             C]   This  superior  quality,  together  with  our                              |.      ~- — , 
v '•;: ':■:■ A                               excellent  service  and  prompt  deliveries,  have                                j  i      1 
\       \                               won  for  us  many  satisfied  customers.                                           /   ■■' / 

V  '.  \                             CJ    We  will  make  your  printing  be  what  it                              /.     ./ 
\     ;A                           should  be — if  you  will  let  us.                                                   r      j 

\\      Publicity  Printing  Co.      // 

\   \      377  Dwight  Street    ::    Springfield,  Mass.              / 

\.       ■Vv                                 Telephone  41                               /      ■.  / 

older                            ^^^         ^~"~ — —     — — - — ~~"^^         ^"^^                              vou 

to    help                                    ^^--~^L    ''"■'                                      ^>^                                   wanl    a 

< ommittees                                           '           ;— _ 
etc  .  in  ordering 
printing,  the  office  is 
cpen  evenings  by  appoint 

men',  or  our  man  will  call  on  you 

^ : —                                               usetu!  memo 

pad.  "  T  hings  1 

Must   Do  To-day,' 

write  lor  it  on    your    husi 

ness  letterhead,      //'.s  sen/  rree 

THE  LUBOLD  CAFE 

Lunch  at  All  Hours 

H.    E.    LUBOLD,    "Proprietor 

Schlitz,  Milwaukee  and  Springfield  Breweries  Co.  's 

LAGER  and  ALES  on  DRAUGHT 

BASS  and  STOCK  ALE  Drawn  from  the   Wood 

1 1   Lyman  Street,  Near  Main                                                         Springfield,  Mass. 

Bernard  J.  Delaney  Co. 

Agents  for 

FRANK  JONES    BREWING 
COMPANY 

Bottlers    of    the    Old    Fashioned    Lively 
Ales    and    Porters,    Wholesale    and 

The  Artisan 

HOLYOKE,  MASS. 

Official    Organ    of   Springfield,    Holyoke, 

Westfleld    and    Chicopee    Central 

Labor   Unions 

Pure  California  Wines  at  $1  per  Gallon 

599-603    Mam   St.                            Tel.    1330 
Springfield.   Mass. 

Phone  434,  Holyoke. 

ARTISAN  PUB.  CO. 

E.  S.  ALDEX,  Editor.            Pres.  Xo.  253 

Thos.    F.    Harrington 

Jiihii  P.  Harrington 

Thos.   F.   Harrington  &  Co. 
Credit  Clothiers 

For  MEN  and  WOMEN 
We  Clothe  the  Family  for  $1  Per  Week 
206  Worthington  St.,  Springfield,   Mass. 

Cards            Telephone   5633          Billheads 

Letterheads                             Statements 

<  'irculars                          Envelopes 

CHARLES  BLUME 

UNION     J  O  B      PRINTER 

Printing                                     123   Lyman  St. 

of  Every                   <  'or.  <  'hestnut  St. 

Description                          Room  32 

SPPJXGI-TELD.   MASS. 

Hotel    Bellevue 

267-269    Alain    St..    Cor.    Taylor 

European    Plan.                     Rooms   75c    Pp 
Dining    Room    a    la    Carte 

JAMES     L.     HAWK"  INS.     E'rop. 

"  BAER    IN     MIND  " 

Royal  Baer 

10c  CIGAR 

G.  BAER  &  SONS,  Makers 

Springfield  Fire  and  Marine 
Insurance  Company 

LARGEST  FIRE  INSURANCE  COMPANY 


Chartered  by    the  State  of  Massachusetts 


Cash  Capital 


$2,000,000.00 


Springfield  Agents 


OPPENHEIMER  &  FIELD 


14  FORT  STREET 


Compliments  of 

HAMPDEN  HAY  &  GRAIN 
COMPANY 

I >ealers   in 
Flour,  <  Jrain  and  <  'oal 
H.    UOLSTETX,    Mgr. 

!»;_    .Main    St..  Springfield,    Mass. 


<  'i  unpliments  of 

Wyckoff  &  Lloyd  Company 

19    Worthington    St. 

HEATING  and  PLUMBING 


Compliments  of 


LUDWIG  &  CO 

Piano  Dealers 


HEAR ! 
THE  GRAFONOLA 


Columbia  Phonograph  Co.,  Gen' 

208  WORTHINGTON  ST. 


LIBERTY  BEER 

tjlt's  made  for  the  man  who 
wants  the  very  best.  If  you  are 
particularly  fussy  about  the  beer 
you  drink  you  will  find  perfect 
satisfaction  in  Liberty  Beer. 

The    Liberty    Brewing  Co. 

SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 


M.  J.  SLATTERY 

Manufacturer  of 

SODA  of  All  Kinds 

Carbonated  Water 

WATER  ST.  SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 

Telephone,  5734 


Compliments 

S.  A.  RYAN  CO. 

Incorporated 

WHOLESALE     LIQUOR    DEALERS 

17ft   and    1S3    Main   Street 
Telephone  2133  Springfield,  Mass 


FAIR 
SQUARE 


CREDIT 

We  give  you  the 
same  buying 
power  that  is  en- 
joyed by  people 
of  large  means. 
They  can  get 
credit  because 

they  are  known  to    have    money   and    we 
will  give  credit  to  anybody  who  is  honest. 

BENJAMIN  GOLDSTEIN,  Inc. 

17-19  Elm  Street  Springfield,  Mass. 


Tel.  5441 


Glickman    &   Kushner 

WHOLESALE  WINES  AND  LIQU<  >RS 
Orders  Delivered  to  all  Parts  of  the  Citv 


169%    Main    Street 
SPRINGFIELD,  MAS? 


The 

Union  Drug  Store 

Charles    E.    Rieutord 

of 

Springfield 

Importer  and    Wholesale 



LIQUOR 

Green  the  Druggist 

DEALER 

410   Main   Street 

We  are  not   controlled  by  the  Standard 

146  Main  St.           Indian  Orchard,  Mass. 

Oi!    <>r    the    Drug    Trust 

Cnion     Stores     at      Worcester,     Spring- 

field.   Helyoke 

l"p-to-I)ate      Designs      in      Printing     of 

(Jna'ity 

Compliments  of 

Parnell  Press 

FRANK  R.  MORSE 

Quick  Printing 

L'J   K  'si   <  'ourt   Sin  et 

'  'I  IAS    S.   1'.   MI'III'II  Y.   Prop      Tel.  L'.-.Tn 

Thp                      People    Who    succeed    in    SUV- 
'""              ing    make    a    lial.it    of    it. 

BEACH   &  KANE 

\VH(  >LESALE    AND    RETAIL, 

Liquor  Dealers 

p      .                The     saving     habit     requins 
00  VinO      determined      cultivation,      hut 

when    well    rooted,   grows   fast. 
Unhit          l!s  r''u:ll'''s  ;ire  quick  and  cer- 
ndUll          tain 

Start    the    habit    b\     opening    an    ac- 
count in  our  Savings  Department.     The 
best   time    is   X<  »W. 

Open  usual  Banking  I  lours  also  every 
Saturday    evening    from     7:00    to    K:30 

TELEPHi  >NE    1247-2. 
171-173    Chestnut    Street. 

o  clock 

The 

SPRINGFIELD,    .MASS. 

Third  National  Bank 

370-372    .Main    St. 
(By  the  clock) 

LEVI  0.  PAYETTE 
Furniture    and  Piano 

The    Best    That    Money    Can    Buy 
•'DOUGHERTY'S"    RYE    WHISKEY 
•■<  ILD  SMUGGLER" 

SC(  iTi'll    WHISKEY 
l-'or   Family  and    Medicinal   1'sc 
Sold    hv 

Moving 

Wm.  J.  MURPHY  &  CO. 

r,4    ALDEN    ST. 
Tel.    ."'.'.'■:." 

17    E.    Court    St..    4"-47    Market    St. 

'Phone   2ir>-2 

SPRINGFIELD.                                     MASS. 

First    Class    Barbers 

Fix  e  <  'hairs— No   Wait  ing 

(  ' <  1 1 1 : )  >  1  i ;  1 1 « ■  1 1 1  s    nf 

F.  W.  WOOLWORTH  &  CO. 

NO  TIP 

BARBER  SHOP 

J.    I).    FINN.    Prop. 

Cor     Fast     Court    and     Market    Sts. 
A    Step    from    Main 
A    Step    from    C.    B.    C.    Hall 

r\     ^           •             I                              Fort  Hill 

Urganized              385.4 
Labor  ! 

When  Ordering  Printing 
Ask     Your     Printer    for 

Union  Made 
Paper 

Look  for  the   "Bright  Spot" 

THE  LABEL 

HUDSON -PAPER    and    PAPER 
STOCK  CO. 

29  Central   Street                               Boston,   Mass. 

A.  L.  FREDETTE 

PRINTER 

All  wori\  done 
artistically  and 
care  full}) 

35   Dwight  St. 

Springfield           Mass. 

NATIONAL 
HOUSE 

CHAS.  GRISE  &  CO. 
Proprietors 

Compliments  of 

Union 

Trust 

Company 

Springfield,    Mass. 

Cor.    Oak    and    Central    Streets 
Indian  Orchard       Massachusetts 

COMPLIMENTS      OF 


Jacobs  Ticket  Print 


O  mp'iments  of 


COAL  HANDLERS 
UNION 


Xo    ii2ri.  Spring-field,  Mass. 


"Look    for    the    Union    Button" 


WHERE  YOU  SEE 
THIS  CARD 

Displayed  in  a  Barber  Shop,  it  means 
first-class  work  neatly  dons — in  a  Sani- 
tary Wav 


Look  for   the  Above    Union  Card 

I.m.-:,]    Xo.    :{ii  Sprinulield.    Mas 


Compliments  of 


ROBERT  H.   SPARE 


Compliments  of 


C.  J.  Murphy  &   Co. 

WHOLESALE  AND  RETAIL  LIQUoP 
DEALERS 

: { 1  r> - : ; l  7 - : !  1 '. t     Worthinyton     St.     and     I'l." 
Dwitiht    St. 


GRAHAM  WHITE 

FOR  PARTICULAR 
PEOPLE 

THIS    MEANS    YOU 

Particular    men    demand    the    best 
laundry    work.      Their    shirts    and 
collars    must    be    just    right.       For 
years  the 

BELMONT 
LAUNDRY 

has  been  catering  to  the  particular 
men    of    Springfield,    and    the    con- 
tinual   increase      in      our    business 

shows    their    appreciation.      If    you 
want    the    best,    here    is    where    you 
get    it.     V'e  guarantee   satisfaction. 

Tel.  3718        333   Belmont  Ave. 

ROUND  HILL  and 
GREEN    SMOKES 

^Manufactured  by 

L.    S.    ANNABLE 

Springfield,  Mass. 

Globe    Hotel 

J.  J.  LENNEHAN,  Proprietor 

Every  Worker 

Should  Know 

Thai    Credit    is    the    life    of   all    business— 
that    Honesty    merits    credit,    the    same    to 
the  toiler  for  daily  wages  as   to   the  busi- 
ness    man.        We      co-operate      with      the 
worker.     No   loading  at 

McDonald's 

123   Worthington   St.                Opp.   Postoffice. 

MEN'S 
LUNCHEON 

215-  217     Worthington     Street 
SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 

Compliments  of 

TOOMEY   & 
CODY  CO. 


WAGONS 


W 


e  make 


THAT  TALK 


or 


themselves. 

P.  E.  CLEARY  &  CO. 


U.  S.  HOTEL 

J.    \V.    HIGOINS,    Proprietor 

American    and    European    Plan 
.-.  l.'-.'-i;   Main    Street.   Springfield,   Mass. 


Try  a  New  Place  for  Luncheon 


LUNCH   COUNTER   OPENED  AT 

Court  Square  Hotel 

State    St.    and    Court     House    Place 
TRY     L'S    AND    BE    CONVINCED 


Regular  Dinners,   25c  to   40c 

Cafe  open  from  6  a.  m.  to  12  p.  m. 


THE  FAMILY  PACKAGE  STORE 


PI  III.    TONE    &    CO. 
Phone  2008.  Main  and    Union   Sts. 

Whitcomb's  Cigars 

Are   the    Pest 

WINTHROP    -     10c    -     CIGAR 
SPECIAL  5       -      5c     -     CIGAR 

Made    from    the    Highest    tirade   of    Peat' 

Tobacco 

Joseph  Whitcomb  &  Co.,  Manufacturers 

Springfield,     Mass. 


Court  Square  Bowling  Alleys 

53-57  Market  St.,  Springfield 


Just  a  Hop,  Skip  and  Jump  from  Court  Square 
FINE  POOL  ROOM  CONNECTED 

Favorite  Sporting  Spot  for  Members  of  Trades   Unions 


7 --Most    Modern    Alleys     in    City--7 


AMERICAN   HOUSE 

j.  j.  McCarthy,  Pr0P. 

243   Main  St.,  Springfield,   Mass. 

American  Plan  :  :  :  $1.75  up 

European  Plan       :  :  :  :       75c  up 

ALL  MEALS,  35c 

ONE  MINUTE  FROM  R.  R.  STATION 


Waverly    Liquor    Co 

15-2!  SANFORD  STREET 


Now  Under  New  Management 


We  carry  the  finest  Brards 
of  Liquor  in  the  city. 


All  the  leading  Brews  on 
Draught  at  the  Bar. 


First  Class  Cafe  connected  under  the 
management  of  D.  J.  McArtey. 


Free  plain  team  delivery  to 
all  parts  of  the  city. 


Family  Trade  a  Specialty 


'Phone   1.375. 
W.  J.  CURRAX,  Manager. 


JAMES  DILLON 
&  COMPANY 

FAMILY  PACKAGE  STORE 

r04  Main  St.  Tel.  1639-1: 

AVE    DELIVER    WHEN    AVE    SAY 


Homer  Foot  &  Co. 

Established   1S31 

HARDWARE   SUPPLIES 
FISHING  TACKLE 

A  Specialty 

139    State    St.    Center    of    City    Last.    SO 

Years.     If  It's   Metal  We   Have  It 


Compliments  of 


FLINT  &  BRICKETT  CO. 


Compliments  of 

THOMAS  J.  BURKE 


UNDER  THE  LEATHER 


LOOK  FOR  IT 


CONDUCTED  ON  THE  EUROPEAN  PLAN 

Hotel  Gilmore 

ALBERT  E.  SMITH,  Mgr. 

NEAR  COURT  SQUARE                                                             418-428  MAIN  STREET 

SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 

CUBAN  CIGAR  CO. 

FRANK    B.    DOW 

197   Main  Street               :          Springfield,   Mass. 

MAIL  ORDER 

AND 

HOUSE  PAINTER  and 
PAPER  HANGER 

DON    GUSTO 

DECORATOR 

Better  Than  Any    1  Oc  Cigar,  4  for  25c 

22  Howard  Place                     Springfield,   Mass. 

ALL  OUR  CIGARS  UNION  MADE 

Telephone,    1336-1 

SOLLACE'S 

"The  Old  Stand" 

Rexford   Bowling 

ALLEYS 

But   New  Place 

PLUM ADORE  &  KELLEY ,  Prop,. 

EVERYTHING    THE    FINEST    IN    OUR    LINE 

234  1-2  Main  St.         Springfield,  Mass. 

E.  M.  COATS  &  CO. 

Tel.   375.      (IXC.)      Tel.  375. 
"The    Old    Family   Liquor   Store." 


LOCAL  AGENTS 
For  the  Celebrated 

Anheuser-Busch 


BreAving   Company   Products. 

I3UDWEISER,    FAUST,    ANHEUSER- 
BUSCH    EXPORT  BEER. 

OLD   ELKHORN   RYE  WHISKY 

MEGIB I  JEN  BOURBON. 

$1.25 — Large  Bottles— $1.25. 


5  to  11  Market  St.,  Springfield. 
Near  the  Corner  of  State  and  Main. 


Trunks    and    Leather    Goods 
That  Wear 

When  in  doubt  buy  of 

FERDINAND 
FURNITURE  CO. 

98-100  Main  Street 

Lowest  Prices  Easy  Terms 


( 'ompliments  of 

THEODOR  LANGE 


<  'ompliments  of 

AMERICAN 
GUARANTY  CO. 

327   Main    Street 


Compliments  of 

TERRENCE 
FLANAGHAN 
&  CO. 


J.  C.  BURKE  &  SON 
Meats,  Fish,  Groceries,  Etc. 

86-88  MAIN  STREET 

Telephone 

Chicopee    Branch  :     247     EXCHANGE     ST. 
Telephone 


HIGHLAND  HOTEL 


Excellent 

menu, 

Good 

cooking, 

Prompt 

Attention, 

Pine 

musical 

program. 

A  Table  d'Hote  dinner  served  every 
evening  from  G  to  S  o'clock. 


A  La  Carte  Service  at  All  Hours 


BUSINESS    MEN'S    LUNCH 


11.30  to  2  P.  M.     40  Cents 


Special   attention  given   to  Automobilists,  Conventions,    Ban- 
quets and   Private  Parties 


D.  H.  SIEVERS  &  CO. 


T.  J.  Collins.  Treasurer 

J.  J.   ( 'ollins,   Manager 

The  Collins  Electric  Co. 

Electrical   Construction,    Supplies.     Re- 
pair  Work 

Office    and    Salesroom    2    and    3    Court 
House   Place.      Telephone    4330 

Springfield,    Mass. 


'Phone  44S7-1: 


M.    KLEIN 

Maker  of 

FINE  PRINTING 


1  1    ( 'ongress    Si.  <  'or.    Alain 

Springfield,    Mass. 


THOMAS 
McGRATH 

Family    Liquor    Store 

207-209  Chestnut  St. 
and     1 3 1     Lyman     St. 

Springfield,   Mass. 


C  1  IAS.  M.  JEFFERSON     JOHN  J.  DEELY 

Compliments  of 

Jefferson  &  Deely 

WHOLESALE  LIQUOR  DEALERS 

Metropolitan 

Furniture  Co. 

Sole    Proprietors    of    the 

538  Main  St.,  Springfield 

Celebrated 

One  Minute  Below  Court  Square 

"WORTHINGTON" 

CASH      OR      EASY       TERMS 

WHISKIES 

Bourbon  and  Rye 

AGENTS  FOR 

GLENWOOD    RANGES 

WHITE  MOUNTAIN  REFRIGERATORS 

DOMESTIC    SEWING    MACHINES 

192  Worthington   St.           Tel.   Connections. 

SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 

OSTERMOI  >R  MATTRESSES 
HOOSIER   KITCHEN  CABINET 
COLORIC  FIRELESS   COOKERS 

Smith's  BOWLING  Alleys 

SHOES- 

F.    C.    SMITH,    Prop. 
R.  D.  SMITH,  Manager. 

If  you  want  to  buy,  WEAR 

9  Alleys                  8  Pool  Tables 

instead  of  trouble,  try 

Upper    Floor    Especially    Adapted    for    Pri- 
vate Parties 

CLOUTIER  &  MENARD 

211    Worthington  Street            Springfield,   Mass. 

Opp.   Car  Barns                                 8  Main  Street 

- 

SCHNETZER  &  SONS 

J.  H.  BEAUVAIS 

CATERERS 

DRUGGIST   and   PHARMACIST 

570    Main  Street,  Springfield,   Mass. 

Ice     Cream    and     Bakery    Goods 

4  MAIN  STREET 

